Egypt break 92-year drought, reach World Cup last 16 after penalty win over Australia
Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties to advance to the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1934, ending a 92-year wait. The match, played at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, ended 1-1 after extra time before Egypt held their nerve from the spot.
Mohamed Salah, who scored the decisive penalty with a Panenka chip, was overcome with emotion after the win. The 34-year-old, who recently left Liverpool, gathered his teammates before the match, telling them it was the biggest game of their lives. “I didn’t know if that was my last World Cup moment or not, but I had to do it,” he said.
Egypt took the lead early in the first half through Emam Ashour, who headed in from a rebound after his own free kick was blocked. Australia equalised in the second half when a looping free kick from Aiden O’Neill deflected off Mohammed Hany and into the net. Hany became the first player in World Cup history to score two own goals in a single tournament.
Neither side could find a winner in regulation or extra time, leading to penalties. Australia coach Tony Popovic made a controversial decision to substitute goalkeeper Patrick Beach, who had played well, for captain Mat Ryan specifically for the shootout. However, Ryan failed to save any of Egypt’s four penalties, while Australia missed two – Harry Souttar shooting over the bar and Lucas Herrington hitting the crossbar.
Herrington, 18, became the youngest Australian to start a World Cup match but will be remembered for the miss that sent Egypt through. He was consoled by teammates after the defeat.
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan, a three-time Africa Cup of Nations winner, dedicated the victory to the Palestinian people. “My heart and soul are with the Palestinian people. I thank them and dedicate this victory to them. We succeeded in making Arab people proud,” he said.
Egypt will now face either Brazil or Portugal in the round of 16. For Australia, the exit is another disappointment after being eliminated at the same stage in 2006 and 2022.
