Egypt made history on Friday, reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time after edging out Australia 4-2 on penalties following a tense
Egypt made history on Friday, reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time after edging out Australia 4-2 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time in Arlington, Texas.
Egypt broke the deadlock in the 13th minute when Emam Ashour rose to power a header past Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach, capitalising on a loose ball picked up by Karim Hafez following a blocked free-kick.
The Pharaohs squandered a chance to double their lead early in the second half when Omar Marmoush dragged a close-range effort wide, a miss that proved costly when Australia equalised in the 55th minute.
Egypt defender Mohamed Hany headed Aiden O’Neill’s free-kick into his own net to put the Socceroos on level terms, becoming the first player at this World Cup to score two own goals in the tournament.
Egypt almost snatched a dramatic late winner when Ramy Rabia was denied by a superb save from Beach deep into stoppage time, sending the match into extra time.
Mohamed Salah, playing through a hamstring strain, grew into the game in the additional 30 minutes but could not find a breakthrough, leaving the tie to be settled from the penalty spot.
Australia coach Tony Popovic made a bold late substitution, bringing on experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryan for the shootout, but the gamble did not pay off as Ryan failed to save any of Egypt’s four penalties.
Harry Souttar and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington both missed for Australia, with Herrington’s effort crashing off the crossbar.
Salah calmly converted a Panenka down the middle, and Hossam Abdelmaguid stepped up to fire home the decisive spot-kick, sending Salah into tears of joy and sealing Egypt’s place in the last 16.
The result marks a historic milestone for Egypt, securing their first-ever World Cup knockout win in their fourth appearance at the tournament, having also claimed their maiden group-stage victory against New Zealand earlier in the competition.
For Australia, it is a third straight first-round knockout exit, extending their wait for a maiden win at this stage of the World Cup.
Egypt will now face defending champions Argentina in the round of 16 in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 7, in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash between Salah and Lionel Messi.
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