Egypt created a landmark moment in their football history by beating Australia on penalties to secure their first ever victory in the knockout stage of the World Cup. After a tense contest ended level, the Pharaohs stayed composed from the spot to win the shootout 4 to 2 and book a place in the last 16, where they will meet either Argentina or Cape Verde.
The night belonged to Egypt’s experienced leader Mohamed Salah, who produced one of the boldest moments of the shootout with a calm Panenka penalty. Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia and Hossam Abdelmaguid also converted their attempts, with Abdelmaguid scoring the final kick that confirmed Egypt’s historic triumph.
Australia’s hopes faded after Harry Souttar sent his penalty over the bar, while 18 year old Lucas Herrington struck the woodwork. Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil scored for the Socceroos, but Egypt were perfect from all four efforts.
The match had started with Australia looking dangerous. Cristian Volpato nearly gave them an early advantage after just five minutes, but his long range strike clipped the top of the crossbar. Egypt then punished that missed chance in the 13th minute when Emam Ashour was left free inside the area and headed in Karim Hafez’s delivery from the right.
That goal was Ashour’s second of the tournament and also helped Egypt reach six goals at these finals, more than they had managed in their previous World Cup appearances in 1934, 1990 and 2018 combined.
Australia pushed for a response and came close before half time when Aziz Behich found space inside the box from a set piece, but he could not beat Mostafa Shobeir. Egypt should have doubled their lead moments after the restart, only for Omar Marmoush to roll his shot wide after racing through on goal.
That miss proved costly as Australia levelled 10 minutes later. Mohamed Hany turned Aiden O’Neill’s free kick into his own net, becoming only the second player in World Cup history to score two own goals in one tournament. It was also the 13th own goal of these finals, breaking the previous record of 12 set in 2018.
Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach made a superb late save from Rabia to force extra time, before being replaced by Mat Ryan for the shootout. But the change did not work, as Egypt held their nerve.
For Salah, the final whistle brought tears of joy. At 34, and after leaving Liverpool last month, he delivered leadership when Egypt needed it most. For Australia, it was another painful knockout exit, their third defeat at this stage of the World Cup.
