Mohamed Salah says he and his Egyptian teammates made historical past by defeating Australia on penalties to ebook their place within the final 16 of the World Cup.
The groups led to a 1-1 draw after additional time at Dallas Stadium, with Imam Ashour’s first-half opener canceled out by Mohamed Hani’s personal aim after the break.
Harry Souter and Lucas Herrington missed from 12 yards out for the Socceroos, however Hossam Abdelmaguid transformed the ultimate spot-kick to offer Egypt a 4-2 shootout victory.
Because of this, Egypt turned the second nation in African historical past to win a World Cup penalty shootout, following Morocco’s two victories (2022 vs. Spain and 2026 vs. Netherlands).
It was the primary penalty shootout for Australia and Egypt at a World Cup, and the primary time the 2 nations confronted one another in the identical closing since Denmark and Croatia met within the final 16 in 2018.
After clinching the victory, Egypt’s hero Salah mentioned, “That is historical past. I instructed the gamers earlier than the match that that is the largest stage they’ll play on. Have enjoyable and do not give in to the strain.”
“I am glad we received the match, but it surely was unfortunate for our opponent. I am glad we had been capable of make historical past at this time.”
Salah confirmed typical confidence as he discovered the goal through the shootout and scored from Panenka’s penalty.
“If anybody goes to do it, it is me!” Salah added.
“I had extra expertise than the others and I wished to offer them confidence. I made the choice on the final minute. I believed I needed to do it.”
Egypt wins on penalties and advances to the spherical of 16! #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 3, 2026
Australian coach Tony Popovich made a goalkeeper change simply earlier than additional time, changing Patrick Veach with Matthew Ryan.
This resolution finally proved futile, as Australia misplaced all three of their World Cup finals matches – 2006 towards Italy, 2022 towards Argentina and 2026 towards Egypt.
“I believe it was at all times an possibility for us, given (Ryan’s) expertise,” Popovich mentioned on SBS when requested in regards to the resolution to make a goalie change.
“Then we’ve got to see how the sport develops. Generally in additional time a participant goes down and it’s a must to make modifications and you do not have a sub out there. However with a couple of minutes left we nonetheless had a sub out there so we introduced Matty on.”
Coach Popovich additionally expressed his pleasure in Sawtard and Herrington for his or her heartbreaking errors.
“Now is just not the time to consider it. It’s going to occur. I am very pleased with them,” he added.
“We did not take into consideration the gamers who missed the penalty shootout. Sadly, we go house and the World Cup is over.”
