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Mo Salah and Egypt reached the Round of 16 for the first time in their history after a dramatic shootout that saw Australia miss their opening penalty. Egypt will now face either Argentina or Cape Verde in the next round.
Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead in the 13th minute with a clever header at the back post. Mohamed Hany became the first player to score two own goals in a single World Cup tournament when he inadvertently levelled the scores in the 55th minute.
The match went to extra time and then penalties, where Egypt held their nerve despite Australia’s late gamble of bringing on captain Maty Ryan specifically for the shootout.
Egypt started brightly and were rewarded in the 13th minute. Mohamed Salah took a free-kick short to Emam Ashour, whose initial shot was blocked. The ball was crossed back into the area and Ashour, lurking at the back post, powered a header past Patrick Beach.
Cristian Volpato nearly produced a moment of magic for Australia, but his 25-yard strike clipped the crossbar and flew over. Australia suffered a blow just before half-time when wing-back Jordan Bos was forced off with an apparent left knee injury after a late challenge.
Australia responded after the break. Aiden O’Neill’s wicked free-kick forced Mohamed Hany to head the ball into his own net in the 55th minute, levelling the scores.
Egypt had opportunities to regain the lead. Omar Marmoush was denied by a Harry Souttar block, and Beach pulled off an extraordinary diving save to deny a glancing header from Ramy Rabia in stoppage time
Neither side could find a winner in extra time. Salah blasted a late chance over the bar. In a dramatic move, Australia coach Tony Popovic substituted goalkeeper Patrick Beach — who had been outstanding — and brought on captain Maty Ryan specifically for the shootout.
But the gamble backfired. Australia’s first penalty, taken by Harry Souttar, flew over the bar. Mahmoud Saber and Ramy Rabia scored for Egypt, while Jackson Irvine converted Australia’s second. With Egypt leading 2-1 after two rounds, Australia’s third penalty was not required. The shootout ended 2-1 to Egypt.
Egypt joins Morocco in the Round of 16, keeping African hopes alive. Attention now turns to Cape Verde and Ghana, who can still join them.
