Egypt beat Australia on penalties to reach World Cup last 16

Egypt created history in Dallas on Friday, earning their first knockout victory at a FIFA World Cup™ finals by defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The Pharaohs, who had earlier recorded their first-ever World Cup win against New Zealand, now celebrate an Antipodean double as they advance to the Round of 16.

Match Summary

Emam Ashour gave Egypt an early lead in the 13th minute, but Mohamed Hany's own goal in the 55th minute leveled the score. The tightly contested match remained deadlocked through extra time, leading to a penalty shootout where Egypt converted all four of their spot kicks, including a Panenka from Mohamed Salah. Australia's Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed their penalties, allowing Hossam Abdelmaguid to seal the win for Egypt.

Early Action and Egypt's Opener

Australia nearly took the lead in the opening minutes when Cristian Volpato struck the crossbar with a long-range effort. However, Egypt struck first in the 13th minute. After an initial shot from Ashour was blocked, Karim Hafez crossed the ball back into the box, and Ashour stooped to head in at the far post. The 28-year-old midfielder, who had never scored for Egypt before arriving in North America, now has two World Cup goals.

Australia's Response and Equalizer

Australia's young side showed plenty of endeavor but struggled to create clear chances. Their challenge grew when full-back Jordan Bos suffered a knee injury and was replaced at halftime by Kai Trewin. Egypt nearly doubled their lead early in the second half when Omar Marmoush raced clear but rolled the ball wide. Australia capitalized on that reprieve in the 55th minute. Aiden O'Neill swung in a free-kick from the left, and Hany inadvertently headed into his own net for his second own goal of the tournament.

Late Drama and Penalties

Egypt thought they had won it at the end of normal time, but Patrick Beach made a fantastic one-handed save to deny Rami Rabia's bullet header from a Mohamed Salah cross. Salah, passed fit despite concerns over a hamstring problem, then set up Haissem Hassan for a shot that was brilliantly blocked by Harry Souttar. Australia coach Tony Popovic brought on substitute goalkeeper Mat Ryan just before the final whistle of extra time, but it was to no avail as Egypt converted all their penalties, including Salah's nerveless Panenka.

Australia have now lost all three of their knockout ties at World Cups, having previously fallen to Italy (1-2) in 2006 and Argentina (1-2) in 2022.

Reactions

“Today was one of the best days of my life, making history with my country. I tried to give my best and play when I’m hurt because this is what I do for the country. I’m proud of the boys … I always tell the boys, just enjoy the moment. We can’t take it for granted. I don’t know how many times we’ve qualified for the World Cup and never before have we qualified from the group stage and now we’ve qualified for the next round. It’s a moment to enjoy.” — Mohamed Salah, Egypt forward

“We started well, taking the lead, and then they equalised. We knew it was going to be a tough match because they’re a very physical team, with a lot of endurance, and players who are very quick and powerful. We knew that at free-kicks and corners it was going to be difficult because they’re very big. [On winning] Honestly, it's incredible, because you know that in Egypt there are 120 million people you've made happy today, and you know that today there will be celebrations across the whole country… For every player, when you’re a boy, you dream of ending up like this.” — Haissem Hassan, Egypt midfielder

“It’s the toughest way to lose a game.” — Australia coach Tony Popovic

Next Round

Egypt will face the winner of the Argentina vs. Cabo Verde tie in Atlanta on July 7.