United View: Martinez at centre of Argentina controversy

Of the 13 Manchester United players who jetted off to the US to take part this year’s World Cup, only five remain. 

Firstly, Lisandro Martinez and Argentina stayed in the tournament by the skin of their teeth on Tuesday evening, in a match riddled with controversy. 

Egypt were denied one of the biggest World Cup upsets in history in cruel circumstances, with the holders coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the dying moments. 

And United’s central defender was at the heart of the debate, as he was adjudged to have been fouled in the build-up to the Pharaohs’ stunning second, leading to the goal being disallowed. 

Further controversy followed, with Enzo Fernandez heading home the winner in added time just seconds after the referee waived away claims of a foul on Mo Salah, much to the frustration of the Egypt bench. 

Martinez was also key for his nation in the previous round, netting in extra time as La Seleccion edged past tournament darlings Cape Verde. 

Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo’s England also made it through to the quarter finals after a dramatic win in Mexico City, in which the pair both failed to feature.  

Senne Lammens also watched from the bench as Belgium comfortably saw off hosts USA, which perhaps provided justice after FIFA’s disgraceful decision to allow Folarin Balogun to start the match. 

Meanwhile, Noussair Mazraoui’s Morocco also eased into the quarter finals with a routine 3-0 win over co-hosts Canada. 

On the other end of the spectrum, it was heartbreak for Reds skipper Bruno Fernandes and defender Diogo Dalot, as Portugal crashed out after an agonisingly late winner from bitter rivals Spain. 

It was a similar story for Matheus Cunha and the departing Casemiro as Brazil suffered a shock defeat to dark horses Norway, who will take on England in Saturday’s quarter final. 

Finally, Norway were also the slayers of Amad’s Côte d’Ivoire, who fell short at the round of 32 stage despite the winger’s superb second half equaliser.