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Egypt made history on Friday by defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time, securing the country’s first-ever victory in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup and advancing to the last 16.
Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive spot-kick at Dallas Stadium after Australia’s Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington both failed from the penalty spot, sending Egypt through to a Round of 16 clash against either Argentina or Cape Verde.
Emam Ashour had given Egypt an early lead with a header in the 13th minute before an own goal by Mohamed Hany 10 minutes into the second half brought Australia level, forcing the match into extra time and eventually penalties.
“It’s history,” Egypt captain Mohamed Salah said after the match. The Liverpool forward made a surprise return to the starting lineup after recovering from a hamstring injury.
“I told the boys before the game: this is the biggest stage you could play on in your life, so just enjoy it. Don’t let the pressure stop you from enjoying the moment,” Salah said.
“I’m glad we managed to win. It’s unfortunate for them to lose on penalties, but I’m happy that we made history today.”
Australia threatened early when Cristian Volpato unleashed a dipping long-range effort that clipped the top of goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir’s crossbar. However, Egypt soon took control.
The breakthrough came after Jackson Irvine conceded a needless free-kick on the left flank. Although Australia’s defence initially cleared Emam Ashour’s delivery, Karim Hafez returned the ball into the area, where Ashour rose to head home and give Egypt the lead.
Marmoush threatens as Australia fight back
Omar Marmoush posed a constant threat for Egypt, while Australia’s Aziz Behich forced Shoubir into a save. Volpato, Australia’s most creative player in the first half, curled a stoppage-time effort narrowly wide.
Australia nearly fell further behind moments after the restart when Marmoush’s low strike flashed across the face of goal with goalkeeper Patrick Beach beaten.
Instead, the Socceroos found an equaliser in the 55th minute. After winning a free-kick on the left, Aiden O’Neill delivered an inswinging cross into the six-yard box that Mohamed Hany inadvertently headed into his own net.
Egypt pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages. Beach produced a superb reflex save to deny Ramy Rabia’s header in stoppage time, while Harry Souttar blocked Haissem Hassan’s effort with an outstretched knee.
Salah, who had been largely quiet during regulation time, missed a golden opportunity three minutes into extra time, blasting Omar Marmoush’s cutback over the crossbar as Egypt increasingly dominated possession.
Penalty heartbreak for Australia
Australia head coach Tony Popovic introduced veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan before the penalty shootout in an attempt to capitalise on his experience.
However, the gamble failed to pay off as Harry Souttar sent Australia’s opening penalty over the crossbar, handing Egypt an immediate advantage.
Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia and Salah all converted for Egypt, while Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil scored Australia’s only successful spot-kicks. Lucas Herrington then struck the crossbar, leaving Abdelmaguid to calmly slot home the winning penalty and spark jubilant celebrations among the Egyptian players and supporters.
“It’s tough,” Australia coach Tony Popovic said after the defeat.
“We showed the world that Australian football is strong.
They’re a wonderful group of players, and I’m devastated for them. Unfortunately, we go home and our World Cup journey ends here.”
