Egypt secured their first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout stage on Friday night, defeating Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in extra time.
Mohamed Salah set the tone in the shootout with an audacious Panenka penalty before defender Hossam Abdelmaguid smashed home the decisive spot-kick. Australia suffered from costly failures from 12 yards as defenders Harry Souttar fired over and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington struck the crossbar.
While the Socceroos replaced goalkeeper Patrick Beach with veteran Mat Ryan specifically for the shootout, the former Brighton stopper failed to make a single save. Egypt were flawless from the spot, with Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia, Salah, and Abdelmaguid all converting.
Egypt initially took the lead against the run of play at the Dallas Stadium after just 13 minutes. An unmarked Emam Ashour powerfully converted a right-wing cross from Karim Hafez past Beach. The strike marked Ashour’s second goal of the tournament. The effort ensured this current squad has scored more goals at these finals (six) than Egypt managed across their previous three tournament appearances combined.
Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush wasted a glorious chance to double the lead immediately after the interval, rolling his shot wide when clean through on goal. Egypt were made to rue that miss ten minutes later when defender Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned Aiden O’Neill’s free-kick past his own goalkeeper.
Consequently, Hany became only the second player in World Cup history to score two own goals at a single tournament. The deflection also marked the 13th own goal of these North American finals, breaking the tournament record of 12 set in 2018.
By the end of the emotional night in Texas, Salah was reduced to tears of joy on the pitch. The historic victory ensured that two African nations have won a knockout match at a single World Cup for the first time in history, with Egypt joining Morocco in the last 16.
“It’s history,” Salah told reporters after the match. The 34-year-old forward, who is currently a free agent after leaving Liverpool last month, created several late chances before executing his cheeky chipped penalty.
“If somebody was going to do it, it would be me! I decided at the last minute. I had to do it.” Egypt now progress to a last-16 tie against either Argentina or Cape Verde in Atlanta on Tuesday, 7 July, while Australia head home after their third consecutive defeat in World Cup knockout matches.
Mohamed Salah scores an audacious Panenka as Egypt beat Australia on penalties to reach the World Cup last 16 for the first time.
Read more – Luka Modric and one last heart-ache
Also see – From ‘Haramball’ to Tactical Genius: Who Gets to Play Beautiful Football?
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.