ARLINGTON, Texas — Egypt reached the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in history after defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Friday following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive penalty as the Pharaohs won their first-ever knockout match in their fourth World Cup appearance.
Egypt will face either defending champion Argentina or Cape Verde in the Round of 16 on Tuesday in Atlanta.
Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, who replaced starter Patrick Beach late in extra time specifically for the shootout, failed to save any of Egypt’s four penalties.
Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia, Mohamed Salah and Abdelmaguid all converted from the spot for Egypt, while Australia’s Harry Souttar blazed the opening penalty over the crossbar and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington struck the bar with the fourth attempt.
Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil were Australia’s only successful penalty takers.
Egypt took the lead in the 13th minute when Emam Ashour headed home just inside the near post.
Australia equalized in the 55th minute through an unfortunate own goal by Egypt defender Mohamed Hany, who inadvertently headed Aiden O’Neill’s free kick past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
It was Hany’s second own goal of the tournament, making him the first player in World Cup history to score two own goals in a single edition of the competition after also finding his own net against Belgium in the group stage.
Despite the setback, Egypt continued to create chances. Omar Marmoush missed an excellent opportunity early in the second half, while Patrick Beach produced several important saves to keep Australia in the match before being replaced by the experienced Ryan shortly before the penalty shootout.
Beach denied Ramy Rabia with a superb stop late in regulation and then comfortably saved Mohamed Salah’s effort moments later.
Egypt pushed for a winner until the end of extra time, but neither side could break the deadlock before the shootout.
The victory extends Egypt’s memorable World Cup campaign after the Pharaohs advanced beyond the group stage for the first time and now stand one win away from a place in the quarterfinals.
Australia, meanwhile, remains without a victory in three World Cup knockout matches and exits the tournament after another heartbreaking defeat.
Source: Saudi Gazette