Egypt forward Mostafa Ziko has levelled explosive accusations at FIFA, alleging the FIFA World Cup is being manipulated in favour of Argentina, following his side's gut-wrenching 3-2 defeat.

The Pharaohs had made a dominant start, surging to a 2-0 advantage, yet controversy struck before they reached that lead. A brilliantly constructed move — a solo run from Haissem Hassan, a trivela pass from Mohamed Salah, and a finish from Ziko — was ruled out by VAR, with the officials judging that Lisandro Martinez had been fouled in the build-up.

A match full of talking points

The disallowed goal was only the opening chapter of a contentious evening. Two penalty appeals arose during the passage of play that led to Argentina's decisive third goal, while discussions over a potential red card had surfaced as early as the opening exchanges of the match.

A foul was also awarded against Salah for a challenge on Leandro Paredes at a moment when the Egyptian captain had a clear route to goal. Each decision, Egypt's players felt, chipped away at their chances.

Despite all this, Ziko himself completed the same combination a second time — Hassan and Salah again providing, and Ziko again converting — to give Egypt their 2-0 cushion before Argentina fought back to win 3-2.

Ziko speaks out

Speaking to BBC immediately after the final whistle, a visibly emotional Ziko did not hold back.