Egypt beat Australia on penalties to reach World Cup last 16
Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive kick after a 1-1 draw in Texas, sending Egypt into the last 16 for the first time.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Egypt reached the last 16 of the men’s World Cup for the first time after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties on Friday, AFP reported. Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the deciding kick after the Round of 32 match finished 1-1 following extra time at the Dallas Cowboys’ air-conditioned stadium in Texas.
The result gave Egypt its first knockout win at a men’s World Cup and ended Australia’s run after a tense match in front of 70,000 spectators, according to AFP. Egypt will play Tuesday in Atlanta against the winner of Argentina’s last-32 match with Cape Verde, with defending champion Argentina needing to avoid an upset against the tournament debutants.
Emam Ashour put Egypt ahead in the 13th minute, heading in Karim Hafez’s cross at the back post after Australia forward Nestory Irankunda lost track of him, AFP reported. The goal came after Australia had made the brighter start, with Cristian Volpato striking the top of the crossbar inside the opening five minutes.
Australia, which had scored twice in the group stage, was forced to push for an equalizer. AFP reported that the Socceroos did not register a shot on target until 10 minutes before halftime, when Aziz Behich’s effort was held by goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir, whose father Ahmed represented Egypt at the 1990 World Cup.
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah started after a hamstring problem but struggled to shape the game for long spells, AFP reported. Australia also suffered a setback before halftime when Jordan Bos went down after a heavy challenge from Rabia and had to be helped off, with Kai Trewin replacing him at the interval.
Egypt had a clear chance to stretch its lead moments after the restart, but Omar Marmoush slid a close-range effort wide, according to AFP. Australia drew level 10 minutes into the second half when Mohamed Hany, under pressure from an in-swinging free kick, headed into his own net for his second own goal of the tournament.
Both teams were seeking a first men’s World Cup knockout victory, and the closing stages of normal time tightened as Egypt applied late pressure. AFP reported that Salah was involved in the buildup to a stoppage-time chance, but Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach saved well from Ramy to send the match to extra time.
Salah fired over with his right foot early in the additional period, and neither side found a winner before penalties. Australia coach Tony Popovic introduced veteran goalkeeper Mathew Ryan for the shootout in a late change, AFP reported.
Australia immediately fell behind when defender Harry Souttar sent the first penalty over the bar in front of Egypt’s supporters. The next five takers scored, including Salah, before 18-year-old Lucas Herrington hit the crossbar for Australia.
Abdelmaguid then converted Egypt’s fourth successful kick to seal the win. AFP reported that Salah was overcome with emotion after the victory, which followed Egypt’s first World Cup match win during the group stage, a 3-1 result against New Zealand.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.