Egypt made history on Friday by defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time after a dramatic 1-1 draw following extra time.
The tense Round of 32 clash at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was decided from the penalty spot after neither side could find a winner over 120 minutes.
Egypt took an early lead in the 13th minute when Emam Ashour headed home, but Australia responded in the second half as Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to level the contest.
Despite creating the better scoring opportunities, Egypt—led by captain Mohamed Salah, who was still recovering from injury—could not restore their advantage, forcing the match into extra time and eventually a penalty shootout.
Australia coach Tony Popovic made a late tactical gamble by introducing experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryanspecifically for the shootout. However, the move failed to pay off as defender Harry Souttar blazed Australia’s opening penalty over the crossbar.
The next five penalties were successfully converted, including a composed chipped effort from Salah, before 18-year-old Australian defender Lucas Herrington struck the crossbar with his attempt.
Defender Hossam Abdelmaguid calmly converted Egypt’s decisive penalty, sealing a historic victory and sparking emotional celebrations among the Pharaohs’ players and supporters.
An emotional Salah hailed the achievement after the match.
“It’s history. 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.”
Reflecting on his audacious chipped penalty, the Liverpool forward added:
“If somebody was going to do it, it would be me. I am more experienced than others, and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided at the last minute.”
Egypt will now face defending champions Argentina in the Round of 16, provided Lionel Messi’s side avoid a shock defeat to tournament debutants Cape Verde in their own Round of 32 fixture.
The victory marks Egypt’s first-ever win in a men’s FIFA World Cup knockout match, ending a long wait for a historic breakthrough on football’s biggest stage.
