PHOTO: AFP
By Daily Review Online
Egypt reached the FIFA World Cup last 16 for the first time in their history after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in their Round of 32 clash in Texas on Friday.
Defender Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive spot-kick after Australia’s Lucas Herrington struck the crossbar, sealing a memorable victory for the Pharaohs. Captain Mohamed Salah calmly converted his penalty before breaking into tears of joy as Egypt advanced.
Egypt could now face defending champions Argentina in the last 16 if Lionel Messi’s side overcome Cape Verde in their Round of 32 fixture.
Emam Ashour gave the seven-time African champions an early lead, heading home Karim Hafez’s cross in the 13th minute for his second goal of the tournament.
Australia, who struggled to create clear chances in the first half, drew level 10 minutes into the second period when Egypt defender Mohamed Hany inadvertently headed into his own net under pressure from an inswinging free-kick. It was Hany’s second own goal of the tournament.
Both teams pushed for a winner, but neither could break the deadlock through regulation time or the additional 30 minutes.
Australia coach Tony Popovic introduced veteran goalkeeper Mathew Ryan specifically for the penalty shootout, but the gamble failed. Harry Souttar missed Australia’s opening penalty by blasting over the bar before Herrington’s effort hit the crossbar, allowing Abdelmaguid to seal Egypt’s victory.
Salah, returning from a hamstring injury sustained in Egypt’s previous match, had a quiet game but showed his composure when it mattered most, confidently converting his penalty in the shootout.
Australia had threatened early through Cristian Volpato, whose effort rattled the crossbar, while Egypt missed chances to extend their lead, including a close-range miss by Omar Marmoush shortly after the restart.
The Pharaohs, who recorded their first-ever World Cup victory in the group stage against New Zealand, have now achieved another milestone by reaching the knockout stage’s last 16 for the first time.
Egypt will face the winner of the Argentina-Cape Verde match in Atlanta on Tuesday for a place in the quarterfinals.