Shafaqna Pakistan: Mohamed Salah converted a composed penalty as Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a shootout on Friday to reach the FIFA World Cup round of 16 for the first time in the nation’s history.
The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes in Texas, with both sides creating chances in a tense contest, although Egypt and captain Salah were unable to convert several promising opportunities during open play.
Egypt will next face defending champions Argentina, provided Lionel Messi’s side avoid an upset against World Cup debutants Cape Verde in their round-of-32 clash.
“It’s history,” an emotional Salah said after the victory. “I told the boys before the game that this is the biggest stage you can play on. Enjoy it and don’t let the pressure get to you.”
Australia coach Tony Popovic threw on experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryan for the penalty shootout in a last-gasp gamble that ultimately failed.
Shooting towards the Egypt fans and whistles raining down, defender Harry Souttar blazed the first penalty over to put the Socceroos on the backfoot.
The next five players all scored, including Salah with a “Panenka”, before 18-year-old Australia defender Lucas Herrington hit the bar.
Hossam Abdelmaguid kept his nerve to send Egypt through to leave Salah in tears of joy.
“If somebody was going to do it, it would be me,” Salah said of his chipped penalty under excruciating pressure.
“I am more experienced than others and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided last minute, I had to do it.”
Emam Ashour had given seven-time African champions Egypt the lead from a header after 13 minutes at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.
The early goal put the onus on Australia who scored only twice in the group phase to attack in front of a crowd of 70,000.
With Salah mostly ineffective following injury in Egypt’s last game, the Socceroos equalised 10 minutes after half-time when Mohamed Hany headed into his own net.
They went to extra time after some late Egypt pressure, and with nothing to divide them came penalties.
“It’s tough,” said Popovic, whose side have still never won a World Cup knockout game.
“I think we showed the world that Australian football is strong.
“It’s a wonderful group and I’m devastated that we can’t progress.”
Source: Dunya News
