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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Karim Zidan

VAR ‘fixes’, AI slop and perpetual outrage: the World Cup in the age of conspiracy

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan argues with a match referee holding a yellow card on the sidelines of a World Cup game
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan accused Fifa of wanting Lionel Messi and Argentina to stay in the World Cup after his team’s controversial last-16 exit. Photograph: Catherine Ivill/AMA/Getty Images

“Life is unfair.”

This was the first thing that Hossam Hassan, Egypt’s fiery coach, told the media after his country’s devastating 3-2 loss to Argentina in the last 16. The legendary striker turned manager had been minutes away from orchestrating one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. The Pharaohs were up 2-0 against the defending world champions. Then, late in the second half, Argentina staged an extraordinary comeback, scoring three goals in 13 minutes, bringing Egypt’s storybook run to a sudden end.

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