Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez dismissed the refereeing controversy surrounding his team’s dramatic World Cup win over Egypt, insisting match officials had done an “excellent job”.
The defending champion reached the quarterfinals after recovering from 2-0 down with 11 minutes remaining to beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16.
The Egyptian Football Association subsequently criticised the use of VAR, particularly the decision to disallow a Mostafa Zico goal in the 62nd minute that would have doubled Egypt’s lead. FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has since defended the officials, rejecting allegations of bias.
“No, absolutely nothing,” Martinez said when asked about the refereeing.
“I think they are doing an excellent job. That’s something for you, the media, who sometimes generate the controversies. We concern ourselves with giving our best on the pitch and nothing more.”
Argentina will face Switzerland in Saturday’s quarterfinal in Kansas City, and Martinez warned that the European side posed a considerable threat.
“If Switzerland are at this stage, it’s because they have a lot of merit,” he said. “We watched their match against Colombia and they always try to play. They are very strong physically and also from set-pieces.
“I think it will be a great spectacle because both teams try to play.”
Cristian Romero, who scored Argentina’s first goal against Egypt, said the team was focused on correcting its own shortcomings.
“Regardless of who we face, whatever the opponent’s name or where they are from, we always focus on ourselves and on correcting the mistakes we have,” Romero said.
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Published on Jul 11, 2026