Penalty shootout decision: Egypt is in the round of 16 of the World Cup

Salah and his teammates had just made national football history in dramatic fashion with their first World Cup knockout round victory. The seven-time Africa Cup winner beat Australia 4-2 on penalties in the round of 16 and is back in the round of 16 of a World Cup after 92 years. The 1934 finals began directly with the round of 16.

Salah on reaching the round of 16: “Historic moment”

“This is a historic moment. I told the boys before the game: This is the biggest stage you can play on in your life. So just enjoy it,” said Salah with tears of joy in his eyes. During the penalty shootout, he casually scored with a so-called Panenka penalty. “I don’t know if this is my last World Cup or not, but I just had to do it. I wanted to give the team self-confidence,” emphasized the ex-Liverpool professional.

Abdelmaguid converted the decisive penalty in the Dallas Stadium in front of 70,244 spectators. For the penalty shootout, Australia coach Tony Popovic substituted experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryan for the previously strong Patrick Beach shortly before the end of extra time – that didn’t pay off. After regular play and extra time the score was 1:1 (1:0).

Emam Ashour (13th minute) had previously given Egypt the lead with his second goal of the tournament. Australia equalized with an own goal from Mohamed Hany (55th), it was his second own goal in this tournament. Salah, who was previously injured, remained largely ineffective, but he kept his nerve in the penalty shootout.

Egypt will face the winner of the game between Argentina with exceptional Lionel Messi and outsiders Cape Verde in the round of 16. Australia, on the other hand, still has to wait for its first knockout round victory at a World Cup.

Australia better at the start – but Egypt takes the lead

Before the game, the whole of Egypt was worried about the use of its superstar: Salah had strained his thigh in the last group game against Iran (1-1). Salah was in the starting line-up after all – but initially not the focus.

Australia started the game boldly. In the 5th minute, Cristian Volpato took heart and shot from around 25 meters after a quick turn – the ball hit the crossbar. Shortly afterwards, Egyptian defender Ramy Rabia had to make a desperate save from Jordan Bos in the penalty area.

Egypt then took the lead with their first dangerous move – and surprisingly with a header after a cross: the Australians, who are actually so strong in the air, gave Ashour too much space and the offensive player headed in to make it 1-0.

Jackson Irvine tried hard in his record game

The opening goal gave the Egyptians noticeable self-confidence, they increasingly took control of the game and let the ball and opponents run. But the team wasn’t really compelling, ex-Frankfurt player Omar Marmoush, who had just joined the starting line-up, and Salah were only given a few usable balls at the top.

And Australia? Became a little braver again after the drinking break. But a shot from Aziz Behich was too unplaced (35′). Jackson Irvine from Bundesliga relegated FC St. Pauli at least tried to interrupt the opponent’s combination play. The central midfielder played his eleventh World Cup game and drew level with Mathew Leckie as the Australian record player.

Hardly any pace in the second half

Just a few seconds after the break, Marmoush should have made it 2-0 for Egypt with his first big chance, but he missed. After that, Australia increased some pressure and tried to equalize. Danger almost only resulted from set pieces – but that was enough: After a free kick from the left side, the Egyptian Hany headed the ball into his own goal.

After that the game petered out again. The importance of the game was evident to both teams; hardly anyone dared to take a greater risk. Accordingly, almost everything took place between the penalty areas. It was only at the end of the regular game that Egypt put the pressure on, Rabia failed with a header past the brilliantly reacting Australia keeper Patrick Beach (90th + 3).

Salah now looked much more agile and had a good chance shortly after the start of extra time, but he shot the ball well over the goal. Even after that, the offensive star motivated his team and was involved in several good actions.