Mohamed Salah scores in shootout as Hossam Abdelmaguid nets decisive penalty to seal Egypt’s historic first-ever World Cup knockout victory.
Egypt reached the FIFA World Cup last 16 for the first time after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Texas on Friday.
Emam Ashour gave the Pharaohs an early lead with a 13th-minute header, but Australia levelled 10 minutes into the second half when Mohamed Hany accidentally turned the ball into his own net.
Neither side could find a winner after 120 minutes, sending the contest to a penalty shootout. Australia’s Harry Souttar blasted the opening spot-kick over the bar before Mohamed Salah calmly converted his penalty. Teenage defender Lucas Herrington later struck the crossbar, allowing Hossam Abdelmaguid to convert the winning penalty and send Egypt into the next round.
An emotional Salah hailed the achievement after Egypt recorded their first-ever victory in a men’s World Cup knockout match.
“It’s history,” Salah said. “I told the boys before the game that this is the biggest stage you can play on. Enjoy it and don’t let the pressure get to you.”
Egypt will now face defending champions Argentina in the last 16, provided Lionel Messi’s side overcome tournament debutants Cape Verde.
