Mohamed Salah was overcome with emotion after Egypt created World Cup history by beating Australia on penalties and reaching the last 16 for the first time.
Egypt came out on top on penalties against Australia to reach the last-16 of the FIFA World Cup
Mohamed Salah, who left Liverpool at the end of the season, was in tears following the victory
The Pharaohs held their nerve in a dramatic shootout, winning 4-2 after a tense 1-1 draw that had swung between hope, frustration and one huge tactical gamble from Australia. For Egypt, it was a night that will be remembered for generations. For the Socceroos, it ended with regret after a late goalkeeper switch failed to deliver the miracle they wanted.
Egypt had taken the lead in the first half through Emam Ashour, who continued his excellent tournament by arriving at the right moment and heading home Karim Hafez’s cross. The Al Ahly midfielder has become one of Egypt’s breakout figures, stepping out of the shadow of bigger names such as Salah, Omar Marmoush, Trezeguet and Zico.
Australia fought back after the break when Mohamed Hany turned the ball into his own net, giving Tony Popovic’s side fresh belief. Patrick Beach, Australia’s starting goalkeeper, had already produced one of the saves of the tournament to deny Ramy Rabia from close range and looked like a major reason the Socceroos were still alive.
Fans were perplexed to see Egypt’s players seemingly watching Real Madrid highlights prior to the penalty shootout against Australia – but there was a logical explanation to it
That made Australia’s late decision even more dramatic. With penalties approaching, Beach was replaced by veteran Mat Ryan in the hope that his experience would prove decisive. But Egypt were ready. Cameras had earlier shown their players studying a laptop on the touchline, sparking confusion among fans who thought they were watching highlights of Real Madrid stars. In reality, they were studying clips of Ryan facing penalties this season.
Emam Ashour is not a household name but he stood out for Egypt in the Australia match-up
The homework paid off. Egypt’s takers slowed their run-ups, waited for Ryan to move, and punished him. Salah stepped up with ice in his veins, chipping his penalty with confidence before later breaking down in tears as the scale of Egypt’s achievement hit him.
After the match, Salah revealed he had told his team-mates this would be the biggest game of their lives and urged them not to let the pressure win. They listened, and Egypt now have a historic knockout victory to show for it.
Australia may look back on the goalkeeper change as a decision that backfired at the worst possible time. Egypt, meanwhile, march on with belief, emotion and a nation dreaming even bigger.
