MIAMI: Egypt reached the FIFA World Cup last 16 for the first time after defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time on Friday.
Defender Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive spot-kick to seal victory after Australia’s Lucas Herrington struck the crossbar during the shootout.
Egypt will now face either Argentina or Cape Verde in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Own Goal Forces Extra Time
Egypt took the lead early through Emam Ashour before Australia levelled 10 minutes into the second half when Mohamed Hany inadvertently headed Aiden O’Neill’s free-kick into his own net.
Neither side could find a winner during normal or extra time, sending the match to penalties.
Australia coach Tony Popovic introduced experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryan shortly before the shootout in an attempt to gain an advantage.
However, defender Harry Souttar missed Australia’s opening penalty by firing over the bar. After five successful spot-kicks, 18-year-old Lucas Herrington also hit the crossbar, leaving Abdelmaguid to convert the winning penalty.
Salah Hails Historic Victory
An emotional Mohamed Salah described the result as a historic moment for Egyptian football.
“It’s history,” Salah said after the match.
“I told the boys before the game that this is the biggest stage you can play on. Enjoy it and don’t let the pressure get to you.”
Salah also explained his audacious chipped penalty during the shootout.
“If somebody was going to do it, it would be me,” he said.
“I am more experienced than others and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided at the last minute. I had to do it.”
Australia’s Wait Continues
Australia were appearing in the knockout stage of the World Cup for only the third time.
The Socceroos were eliminated 1-0 by Italy in 2006 and lost 2-1 to Argentina in 2022. Their hopes of a first-ever World Cup knockout victory were ended in another heartbreaking defeat.
