Egypt reached the World Cup last 16 for the first time in its history, beating Australia after a penalty shootout sealed by Mohamed Salah’s unforgettable Panenka.
Egypt has made history.
For the first time ever, the Pharaohs have won a World Cup knockout-stage match, defeating Australia on penalties after a 1-1 draw through extra time. It was tense, emotional and far from perfect, but for Egyptian soccer it will be remembered forever — especially because Mohamed Salah left his signature on it with a historic Panenka.
Salah was not at his best physically, and it showed. He had to fight through the match, often looking short of sharpness and rhythm. But he wanted to be there for his country, for his teammates and for his people. And when the penalty shootout arrived, he produced the moment that will become part of Egypt’s soccer mythology.
His chipped penalty was calm, fearless and symbolic. A superstar not at full power, still strong enough to define history.
Egypt had taken the lead early, with Ashour scoring in the 13th minute to put Hossam Hassan’s side ahead. Australia responded after halftime through an own goal by Hany, whose difficult tournament now includes an unwanted record: two own goals in a single World Cup edition.
From there, the match became a battle of nerves.
Australia fought until the end and had its own heroes. Beach was outstanding in goal, keeping his team alive until the final minutes of extra time. Volpato was constantly dangerous, while Souttar battled hard at the back. But just before penalties, Tony Popovic made a major decision: he replaced Beach with veteran Mat Ryan, hoping to repeat the famous 2022 move when Australia used Andrew Redmayne before a decisive shootout.
This time, the gamble failed.
Ryan, the former Roma goalkeeper, did not save any of Egypt’s penalties. The Pharaohs were perfect from the spot, converting all four kicks they needed, while Australia missed through Souttar and Herrington.
Egypt’s defense also deserves major credit. Rabia delivered a massive performance at center back and then scored one of the crucial penalties. Ashour gave Egypt the early goal, Salah brought the historic touch, and the entire team survived a draining knockout battle.
For Australia, the exit is painful. The Socceroos competed, equalized and pushed the match all the way to penalties. But the late goalkeeper switch will be heavily discussed, especially after Beach had been one of the best players on the field.
For Egypt, none of that matters now. The Pharaohs are in the last 16. Salah has his World Cup moment. And Egyptian soccer has a night it will never forget.
Match Report
Australia 1-1 Egypt
After Extra Time: 1-1
Egypt wins 4-2 on penalties
Halftime: 0-1
Goals: 13’ Ashour, 55’ Hany own goal
Australia: Beach (119’ Ryan); Circati, Souttar, Herrington; Bos (46’ Trewin), O’Neill (91’ Okon-Engstler), Irvine, Behich; Volpato (74’ Hrustic), Metcalfe (91’ Mabil); Irankunda (74’ Touré).
Coach: Tony Popovic
Egypt: Shobeir; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hafez (80’ Trezeguet); Fathy (67’ Abdelmaguid), Attia (121’ Saber); Ashour, Salah, Ziko (67’ Hassan); Marmoush (106’ Abdelkarim).
Coach: Hossam Hassan
Referee: Tejera
Yellow Cards: Hassan
Red Cards: None
Penalty Shootout: Souttar missed, Saber scored, Irvine scored, Rabia scored, Mabil scored, Salah scored, Herrington missed, Abdelmaguid scored.
