Dallas, UNITED STATES – Egypt have advanced to the Round of 16 at the World Cup for the first time in their modern history after defeating Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Defender Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive penalty against Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan to spark wild celebrations among the Pharaohs. Okay News reports that the historic victory marks the first time Egypt has ever won a knockout tie at a World Cup tournament, booking their ticket to the next round in Atlanta.
Hossam Hassan’s side opened the scoring early in the 13th minute when Al-Ahly forward Emam Ashour found himself unmarked at the back post to head home a lofted cross from Karim Hafez. Australia struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a stubborn Egyptian defense but found a lifeline 10 minutes into the second half when Egypt’s Mohamed Hany accidentally headed an Aiden O’Neill free-kick into his own net.
With the game deadlocked through extra time, Australian coach Tony Popovic subbed on veteran keeper Mat Ryan specifically for the shootout, but the Socceroos fell short after misses from Harry Souttar and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington. An emotional Mohamed Salah, who converted a audacious Panenka during the shootout, was reduced to tears alongside his manager as Egypt awaits the winner of the clash between Argentina and Cape Verde.
