Egypt reached the World Cup last 16 for the first time after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, earning their first-ever knockout victory at the tournament. Mohamed Salah confidently converted a Panenka in the shootout before Hossam Abdelmaguid struck the winning penalty, while Harry Souttar and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington failed with Australia’s attempts.
Although Australia began brightly and nearly opened the scoring when Cristian Volpato’s powerful long-range effort clipped the top of the crossbar, Egypt struck first against the flow of play. Karim Hafez delivered a cross from the right that found Emam Ashour unmarked inside the area, and the midfielder headed beyond Patrick Beach after 13 minutes.
Ashour’s second goal of the competition also carried additional significance, as Egypt has now scored six times at this World Cup, surpassing their combined total from the 1934, 1990, and 2018 tournaments. Australia, who had won only one of their previous 15 World Cup matches after conceding first, faced another difficult challenge after falling behind.
An own goal brings Australia level
The Socceroos searched for an equaliser before the interval and came closest when Aziz Behich found himself with an opportunity inside the penalty area after a set piece. However, the Melbourne City defender could not beat goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir from close range.
Egypt almost doubled their advantage moments after the restart, but Omar Marmoush dragged his finish wide after breaking through on goal. That missed opportunity proved costly because Australia equalised 10 minutes later when Aiden O’Neill’s free kick from the left was diverted into Egypt’s own net by Mohamed Hany.
It was Hany’s second own goal of the tournament, making him only the second player in World Cup history to score twice into his own net during a single edition. The strike also became the competition’s 13th own goal, setting a new tournament record and moving beyond the previous mark of 12 established in 2018.
Penalties decide dramatic contest
Neither side could find a winner before the end of normal time despite Egypt creating a golden opportunity deep into stoppage time. Patrick Beach produced an outstanding save, twisting in mid-air to push away Ramy Rabia’s powerful header after a precise cross from Salah.
Australia introduced the experienced Mat Ryan in place of Beach at the conclusion of extra time specifically for the penalty shootout. The substitution, however, did not change the outcome, as Egypt converted every spot-kick through Mahmoud Saber, Rabia, Salah, and Abdelmaguid.
Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil scored for Australia, but Souttar fired over the crossbar before Herrington struck the bar, allowing Egypt to complete a memorable victory and secure a meeting with Argentina in Atlanta on Tuesday, 7 July.
Salah celebrates emotional milestone
The final whistle brought an emotional reaction from Salah, who shed tears after helping Egypt record a landmark achievement. Speaking afterwards, the forward said he had reminded his teammates before kick-off that they were performing on football’s biggest stage and urged them to embrace the occasion rather than feel overwhelmed by it.
Salah admitted he was delighted his side had written a new chapter in Egyptian football and expressed sympathy for Australia after the dramatic finish. Egypt had previously lost their last four penalty shootouts in major tournaments, making the victory even more significant.
The 34-year-old also explained his Panenka in the shootout, saying his experience gave him the confidence to take responsibility and inspire the rest of the team. He added that the decision was made at the final moment, believing it was the right choice to help Egypt hold their nerve under pressure.