Egypt Secures Historic World Cup Victory in Knockout Stage

In a landmark event for Egyptian soccer, Mohamed Salah, despite uncertainties about his future with the national team, led Egypt to a significant triumph in the World Cup knockout round. This victory marks Egypt’s first ever win in the elimination stage.

Hossam Abdelmaguid became the hero by securing the decisive goal in a penalty shootout, propelling Egypt to a 4-2 victory over Australia after a 1-1 draw on Friday. Australia’s goalkeeper, Mathew Ryan, failed to stop Egypt’s four penalty shots after substituting for Patrick Beach late in extra time.

The match marked Egypt’s fourth World Cup appearance and its inaugural edition with an expanded field of 48 teams. Meanwhile, Australia remains winless in the knockout round, holding a 0-3 record.

Looking ahead, Egypt will face either Argentina or Cape Verde in the Round of 16 on Tuesday in Atlanta.

“Me feeling today is that it’s incredible,” expressed Salah, the 34-year-old former Liverpool player. He is one goal away from matching Hossam Hassan’s national record of 69 international goals. “I always like seeing the boys happy and enjoying the moment. Nothing can match that. So today was one of the best days of my life.”

During the penalty shootout, Harry Souttar missed high for Australia, and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington struck the crossbar, paving the way for Abdelmaguid to clinch the win for Egypt. The 25-year-old defender, without an international goal in 15 appearances, found the net as Ryan dived opposite, sparking jubilant celebrations among the 70,244 fans, predominantly Egyptian supporters, at the sold-out stadium.

Previously, Egypt had not won a World Cup match until defeating New Zealand 3-1 in the group stage, merely two weeks prior.

Coach Hossam Hassan conveyed through a translator, “I was only thinking about the Egyptian fans. During the penalty shootout, I was just praying, ‘God, please make the Egyptian people happy.’”

Egypt’s other contributors in the shootout included Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia, and Salah, who played every minute despite a hamstring injury from the group finale. Australia’s Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil were successful in their attempts.

Hassan addressed his players saying, “Do not look at the pressure. Just let everything out, don’t think about anything. Focus on your penalty kick. Don’t think about the goalkeeper.”

Emam Ashour put Egypt ahead in the 13th minute with a header that evaded Patrick Beach. Australia equalized in the 55th minute when Egypt’s Mohamed Hany inadvertently sent the ball into his own net while defending a free kick from Aiden O’Neill. Hany also netted an own-goal in a previous 1-1 group-stage draw with Belgium.

Earlier in the match, Hany had a collision that almost led to a substitution due to concerns about a concussion, but he continued after being examined.

Australia’s knockout stage scoring has been restricted to own-goals. They lost to Italy 1-0 in 2006 and Argentina 2-1, with an own-goal against the latter, four years prior in Qatar.

“It hurts when you get that close,” Australia’s coach Tony Popovic lamented. “Unfortunately, we bow out in a penalty shootout, so it’s difficult to take right now.”

In a notable moment, Omar Marmoush nearly extended Egypt’s lead early in the second half, narrowly missing a shot wide. Mathew Ryan replaced Beach as goalkeeper late in the match, marking his 105th international appearance, despite Beach’s commendable performance, including key saves in regular time.

Egypt had one additional opportunity before regulation ended, with Haissem Hassan’s attempt blocked by Souttar.