Egypt secured a dramatic victory over Australia in a tense World Cup knockout-stage match decided by a penalty shootout on Friday. The contest, held in Australia, ended 1-1 after extra time before Egypt converted all four of their penalties to advance for the first time in their history.
Australia’s goalkeeper Patrick Beach, who had been instrumental throughout the tournament with multiple key saves, was substituted in the 119th minute for Mat Ryan, who had not played a minute prior to the shootout. The decision by Australia’s coach Tony Popovic, in just his 119th minute call, drew criticism after Ryan was unable to make a save and Australia missed two penalties. Australia’s first and fourth penalties, taken by centre backs Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington, respectively, failed to find the net. Meanwhile, midfielder Ajdin Hrustic, who scored a decisive shootout penalty in the 2022 Europa League final, was not selected to take a shot.
Mohamed Salah, despite grappling with a hamstring injury and limited impact during regulation time, emerged as a key figure in the shootout for Egypt. He calmly converted his penalty with a Panenka, marking a standout moment for the forward who has yet to win the Africa Cup of Nations. Salah’s influence grew gradually throughout extra time, demonstrating moments of creativity and skill including a dribble past three players that energized the crowd.
The match saw Egypt take the lead from their first clear chance in the first half, when Emam Ashour headed in a cross from Karim Hafez. Australia responded early in the second half by capitalizing on an own goal from Egypt defender Mohamed Hany, who deflected a free kick into his own net. Both teams created opportunities, with Australian midfielder Connor Metcalfe narrowly missing a header shortly after the break.
Australia began strongly, but their attacking threat diminished following a tough first-half challenge on forward Jordan Bos by Egypt’s Ramy Rabia. Bos was forced off at halftime and replaced by Kai Trewin, who was caught out immediately at the start of the second half, allowing Egypt’s Omar Marmoush a near goal-scoring chance.
Throughout the match, Salah operated in a deeper role than usual, often receiving the ball facing his own goal and orchestrating Egypt’s play from the right half-space. Despite earlier appearing restrained due to his injury, he found moments of inspiration in extra time, nearly assisting a goal and drawing strong defensive attention.
The match concluded with high drama as the teams went to penalties. Egypt’s flawless execution contrasted with Australia’s missed attempts and the controversial goalkeeper substitution. Coach Popovic’s decisions throughout the tournament, including player selection and timing of substitutions, are likely to face further scrutiny following the exit.
Egypt’s win marks a milestone, advancing beyond the group stage for the first time, while Australia’s campaign ends after an initially promising start that included a 2-0 victory over Turkey in the group phase.