Egypt advanced to the round of 16 of the World Cup after beating Australia in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in Dallas.
The match itself ended 1-1 after extra time, but Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington both missed penalties and Egypt dominated Australia with four successive spot kicks off Mat Ryan starting in the 119th minute.
Cristian Volpato’s early effort grazed the crossbar but it was Egypt who were the better team in the first half and Emam Ashour soon nodded in front of them. Omar Marmoush should have doubled the advantage at the start of the second period.
Emam Ashour gives Egypt the lead against Australia in the World Cup.
However, Egypt were punished when Australia equalized when Mohamed Hani put the ball in his own goal. It took a stunning save from Patrick Beach to deny Ramy Rabia the winner in the 94th minute and send the game into extra time.
Mohamed Salah came alive in extra-time but could not force a winner and Egypt were entitled to worry about the prospect of a penalty shoot-out following four previous penalty shoot-out defeats. Especially when Ryan scores a goal for Australia.
The experienced stopper replaced Beach but was unable to stop Egypt’s penalty kick, with Salah having his effort broken mid-on. Two Australian defenders, Souttar and Herrington, failed to end their hopes as Egypt prepare for a clash with either Argentina or Cape Verde.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah consoles Australia’s Aziz Behic after their loss to Australia.
Big moments in Dallas…
5 – crossbar! Volpato’s shot from distance grazed the bar.
13 – target! Ashour nodded ahead of Egypt when there was no sign behind him.
21 – wide! Zico shot to the side when passing, but was ruled offside.
46 – wide! Marmoush fired his shot wide on the restart.
55 – Your own goals! Australia were level when the ball glanced past Hany.
90+4 – get! Beach brilliantly pushed Ravia’s header over the bar.
Pen – Miss! Souttar burned the opening penalty over the crossbar.
Pen – Miss! Five conversions later, Herrington achieved the benchmark himself.
Pen – Winner! Abdelmaguid sent Ryan the wrong way for the win.
Sala: If anyone goes to Panenka, it’s me!
egyptian captain mohamed salah speaking BBC Sports: “It’s history. I told the players before the game, ‘This is the biggest stage you’ll ever play in your life, so enjoy it. Don’t put pressure on yourself and enjoy the moment.’
“I’m glad we were able to win the game. Bad luck for them (Australia)…
About doll penalties: “If anyone was going to do that, it would be me.
“I have more experience than others. I want to give them confidence, but I decided at the last minute (during the preparation process). I don’t know if this will be the last World Cup or not, so I had no choice but to do it.”
On the possibility of facing Messi in the round of 16: “We have to respect both teams and we will see what happens next.”
Popovich: We showed that Australian football is strong
Australian boss Tony Popovich: “It’s tough. We showed the world that Australian football is strong. They’re a great group and I’m devastated for them. Unfortunately we go home and the World Cup ends for us.”
