Egypt national football team made history on Friday by defeating Australia national football team 4-2 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw to secure their first-ever victory in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup.
The tense Round of 32 contest in Texas went the full 120 minutes after an own goal by Mohamed Hany cancelled out an early strike from Emam Ashour, before defender Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive spot-kick to send the Pharaohs into the last 16.
Egypt made the brighter start and took the lead after just 13 minutes when Emam Ashour rose highest to head home, putting the seven-time African champions in control.
Australia, who struggled for goals during the group stage, gradually grew into the contest and found an equaliser 10 minutes into the second half when defender Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Both sides pushed for a winner, with Egypt creating the better opportunities despite an unusually quiet display from captain Mohamed Salah. However, neither team could find the breakthrough as the match drifted into extra time.
With the deadlock still unbroken after 120 minutes, the tie was decided from the penalty spot.
Australia coach Tony Popovic made a bold late decision by introducing veteran goalkeeper Mathew Ryan specifically for the shootout, but the gamble failed to pay off.
Defender Harry Souttar blazed Australia’s opening penalty over the crossbar, immediately handing Egypt the advantage.
The next five penalties were all converted, including a nerveless chipped effort from Salah, before teenage defender Lucas Herrington struck the crossbar to leave Australia’s hopes hanging by a thread.
Abdelmaguid then calmly converted the winning penalty, sparking emotional celebrations among the Egyptian players, with Salah reduced to tears after witnessing his country achieve a historic milestone.
“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.”
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 last minute, I had to do it.”
Egypt’s reward is a blockbuster Round of 16 showdown against Argentina national football team, provided the reigning world champions overcome tournament debutants Cape Verde national football team in their own Round of 32 encounter.
For Egypt, Friday’s victory represents a landmark achievement, ending decades of World Cup frustration and keeping alive hopes of an unforgettable run on football’s biggest stage.
