Egypt achieved a landmark result by claiming their first knockout-stage victory at a FIFA World Cup, defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the sides finished level at 1-1.
The win keeps Hossam Hassan’s unbeaten team in the tournament and sets up a Round of 16 clash against either Argentina or Cabo Verde on 8 July in Atlanta.
Australia threatened early when Cristian Volpato rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike inside the opening five minutes.
Egypt gradually settled into the contest and went ahead in the 13th minute as Emam Ashour met Karim Hafez’s cross with a firm header after an initial free-kick had been blocked.
The Socceroos searched for an equaliser before half-time, but Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir produced a series of impressive saves to deny them.
Egypt missed a golden chance to extend their lead shortly after the restart when Omar Marmoush dragged his effort wide of the target.
Australia restored parity in the 55th minute after Mohamed Hany inadvertently headed Aiden O’Neill’s free-kick into his own net.
Both teams continued to push for a decisive goal, with Patrick Beach making an outstanding one-handed save to prevent Ramy Rabia from finding the winner. Extra time also failed to produce a breakthrough.
Egypt converted all four of their penalties to win the shootout 4-2.
Mohamed Salah confidently executed a Panenka, while Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington failed to convert for Australia.
Hossam Abdelmaguid calmly slotted home the winning penalty to send Egypt into the last 16.
The result leaves Australia still searching for its first FIFA World Cup knockout victory after previous exits against Italy in 2006 and Argentina in 2022.
Egypt, meanwhile, celebrated another milestone after following up their maiden World Cup win over New Zealand with a historic place in the Round of 16.
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