Australia 1 – 1 Egypt


Egypt beat Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout in Dallas to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.

The game itself ended 1-1 after extra-time but Harry Souter and Lucas Herrington both missed from the spot in the shootout as Egypt converted four consecutive spot-kicks against Matt Ryan – brought on in the 119th minute – to send Australia packing.

Although Christian Volpato’s early effort bounced off the crossbar, Egypt were the better side in the first half and Emam Ashour soon bowed out. Omar Marmouse should have doubled the advantage early in the second period.

Emam Ashour captained Egypt against Australia in the World Cup
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Emam Ashour captained Egypt against Australia in the World Cup

But Egypt were punished when Australia equalized when Mohamed Hani slotted the ball into his own net. It still took a great save from Patrick Beach to save Rami Rabia in the 94th minute to seal the winner and send the game into extra time.

Mohamed Salah came alive in extra time but couldn’t force a winner and Egypt were right to feel anxious at the prospect of penalties having lost their previous four shoot-outs – especially when Ryan came on for Australia.

The veteran stopper replaced Beech but was unable to save any of Egypt’s penalties, with Salah firing his effort into midfield. Egypt missed out on two Australian defenders – Souther and Herrington – to end their hopes as they clash with Argentina or Cape Verde.

Egypt's Mohamed Salah (10) consoles Australia's Aziz Behich after Australia lost in a penalty shootout
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Egypt’s Mohamed Salah comforts Australia’s Aziz Behich after Australia’s loss

Moments in Dallas…

5 – Crossbar! Volpato took a shot from distance that skimmed the bar.

13 – Goal! Unmarked from behind, Ashur shook Egypt forward.

21 – Wide! Zico was adjudged offside when he shot wide.

46 – Wide! Marmouse slotted his shot wide straight from the restart.

55 – Aim yourself! Australia returned to parity when the ball was hit by Haney.

90+4 – Save! Beach brilliantly pushes Rabia’s header over the bar.

Pen – miss! Sautar fired the opening penalty over the crossbar.

Pen – miss! Five conversions later, Herrington hit the bar himself.

Pen – winner! Abdelmaguid sent Ryan the wrong way to win.

Salah: If someone goes to Panenka, it will be mine!

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah to talk BBC Sport: “This is history. Before the game I told the guys ‘This is the biggest stage of your life, so enjoy it. Don’t let the pressure get to you and enjoy the moment.’

“I’m glad we won the game. Unfortunate for them (Australia)…

On his dole penalty: “If anyone was going to do it, it was going to be me.

“I’m more experienced than the others, I want to give them confidence but I made a last-minute decision (during the run-up). I don’t know if this is my last World Cup, so I have to do it.”

Likely to face Messi in round of 16: “We have to respect both teams and we’ll see what happens.”

Popovich: We’ve shown Australian football is strong

Australian boss Tony Popovich: “It’s tough. We’ve shown the world that Australian football is strong, they’re a great team and I’m devastated for them. Unfortunately we go home and the World Cup is over for us.”

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