Egypt coach Hossam Hassan dedicated his side’s first World Cup knockout victory to the people of Palestine. His words followed a dramatic penalty shootout win over Australia in Arlington, Texas on Friday night.
The Pharaohs prevailed 4-2 from the spot after a tense round-of-32 tie finished 1-1 after extra time. Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive kick at Dallas Stadium. Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington had both failed from 12 yards for Australia.
Emam Ashour headed Egypt in front after 13 minutes. Their lead lasted until 10 minutes into the second half, when Mohamed Hany turned into his own net. Neither side could find a winner across the remaining hour of football.
Hassan grew emotional when he faced reporters after the final whistle. “May God grant them victory, may God have mercy on their martyrs,” he said of the Palestinians.
The 59-year-old dedicated the result to both the Egyptian and Palestinian peoples, calling them “kind and honourable”. He carried the flags of both nations onto the pitch as his players knelt together in prostration.
The victory carries genuine weight for Egyptian football. The country had never before won a World Cup knockout match. Hassan’s side now face Argentina or Cape Verde for a place in the quarter-finals.
The result sparked scenes of joy far beyond Cairo. Footage shared on social media showed crowds in Gaza watching public screenings against a backdrop of destroyed buildings and makeshift tents. Children wore Egypt flags painted on their faces.
One Gaza-based supporter, Tamer Nahed, described thousands emerging from tents and damaged homes to follow the match. He wrote on X that faces “lit up with smiles” as people allowed themselves a rare moment of release.
Supporters across the Arab world joined the celebrations through the night. Many framed the win as a victory shared with Palestinians enduring the war in Gaza.
The win arrived hours after an unwelcome distraction for the Egyptian camp. The national team alleged that a Dallas police officer pushed team director Ibrahim Hassan and winger Trezeguet at their hotel. The pair had reportedly been posing for a photograph with a fan.
Footage of the altercation spread quickly online. The Dallas Police Department said the matter had been resolved at the scene.
Whatever unease lingered from that incident, Egypt’s players answered it in the best way possible. Their reward is a last-16 tie and a place in the nation’s football history.
Read more – Egypt Make World Cup History with Penalty Win Over Australia
Also see – Luka Modric and one last heart-ache
Follow Footy Times on Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Discover more from Footy Times
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.