Egypt made history on Friday by winning their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout match, beating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time in a tense Round of 32 clash at Dallas Stadium.
Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the winning penalty after Australia’s Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington both missed from the spot, sending Egypt into the Round of 16, where they will face either Argentina.
Egypt took the lead in the 13th minute when Emam Ashour headed home, but Australia drew level 10 minutes into the second half after Mohamed Hany accidentally turned the ball into his own net.
Australia almost made the perfect start when Cristian Volpato’s powerful long-range effort clipped the top of the crossbar. But Egypt soon took control.
Jackson Irvine gave away a free-kick on the left after fouling Mostafa Zico. The Australians only half-cleared Emam Ashour’s delivery, allowing Karim Hafez to send another cross into the box, where Ashour rose highest to head past goalkeeper Patrick Beach.
Omar Marmoush looked dangerous for Egypt, while Aziz Behich forced Mostafa Shoubir into a good save at the other end. Volpato also went close again just before halftime, curling an effort narrowly wide.
Egypt nearly doubled their lead within seconds of the restart when Marmoush slid his shot across goal with Beach beaten, but the ball drifted wide.
Australia equalised soon after. Aiden O’Neill delivered a dangerous free-kick into the six-yard box, and Mohamed Hany could only head the ball into his own net under pressure.
Both sides had chances to win the game late on. Beach produced an excellent reflex save to keep out Ramy Rabia’s header, while Harry Souttar blocked another effort with his knee.
Salah, who had been quiet for most of the match, had a golden opportunity early in extra time but blasted Omar Marmoush’s pass over the crossbar.
Australia coach Tony Popovic made a bold decision before the penalty shootout, bringing on veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan in place of Patrick Beach in the hope that his experience would make the difference.
The move didn’t pay off. Harry Souttar fired Australia’s opening penalty over the bar, giving Egypt the early advantage. Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia and Salah all converted from the spot, while Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil scored for Australia.
Lucas Herrington then smashed his penalty against the crossbar, leaving Abdelmaguid to calmly convert the decisive kick and seal a famous victory that sends Egypt into the World Cup Round of 16.
