Egypt claimed the first World Cup knockout victory in their history, edging Australia 4-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in the round of 32. Mohamed Salah held his nerve from the spot as the Pharaohs sparked wild celebrations, and an emotional captain led his country into the last 16. Here is the full report, the shootout breakdown, the key talking points, and who Egypt face next.
How the match unfolded
Egypt made the brighter start and were rewarded inside the opening quarter-hour when Ashour rose to head them in front. Australia, though, drew level through fortune as much as pressure, an own goal off Hany hauling Tony Popovic’s side back into the contest.
Neither team could find a winner across normal time or a cagey period of extra time – though Egypt had their chances to settle it before the finish – and the tie inevitably drifted towards a shootout. The drama, as ever, was only just beginning.
The goalkeeper gamble: Ryan on for Beach
The evening’s biggest tactical call came in the 119th minute, when Australia made a stunning late change in goal. Patrick Beach – who had surprised many by starting the tournament ahead of the vastly experienced Matt Ryan – was withdrawn, with the former Brighton stopper sent on specifically as the designated shootout specialist and handed the armband from Souttar.
It was a bold, pre-planned move by Popovic, and Egypt clearly anticipated it: their players were spotted studying footage of Ryan’s penalty-facing tendencies on a screen before the shootout. Whether those small margins would pay off was about to be tested in the cruellest way.
Penalty shootout: how it played out
| # | Australia | Egypt | Score |
| 1 | Souttar – over the bar | Saber – scored | 0-1 |
| 2 | Irvine – scored | Rabia – scored | 1-2 |
| 3 | Mabil – scored | Salah – scored | 2-3 |
| 4 | Herrington – hit the bar | Abdelmaguid – scored | 2-4 |
Egypt won the shootout 4-2, converting all four of their penalties.
Australia could not have made a worse start, big defender Souttar blazing the opening kick high over the bar. Saber responded with pure power into the top-left corner, and although Ryan guessed correctly, he could not keep it out. Irvine side-footed Australia’s first into the corner, but Rabia restored Egypt’s edge, sending Ryan the wrong way with a low finish.
Mabil kept Australia alive with a calm, goalkeeper-dependent effort, before the moment everyone was waiting for: Salah stepped up, puffed out his cheeks, and coolly rolled it straight down the middle for 3-2. The pressure then told on 18-year-old Lucas Herrington, whose penalty cannoned back off the crossbar – a brave attempt from a teenager that left Australia on the brink. Abdelmaguid made no mistake, going down the middle to complete a perfect four from four and send Egypt through.
A historic night for Egypt
The final whistle sparked glorious scenes. This was Egypt’s first-ever World Cup knockout win, and Salah – visibly emotional – celebrated with the travelling supporters in a moment that will mean everything to him and his country.
For Australia, there is heartbreak and the lingering what-ifs. The decision to throw on Ryan as a shootout specialist ultimately did not work, though it is impossible to know whether Beach would have fared any better. Spare a thought, too, for young Herrington: stepping up in such a moment takes real courage, and he deserves credit for it despite the miss.
Who do Egypt play next?
Egypt march on to the round of 16, where they will face either Argentina or Cape Verde on Tuesday 7 July in Atlanta, with kick-off at 5pm. Waiting in the quarter-finals beyond that would be Switzerland, or the winner of Colombia and Ghana – a daunting but exciting path for a side now making history.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Australia vs Egypt?
The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with Egypt winning 4-2 on penalties. Ashour headed Egypt ahead early before an own goal off Hany levelled it for Australia.
Did Mohamed Salah score in the shootout?
Yes. Salah calmly converted his penalty straight down the middle to make it 3-2 in the shootout, helping Egypt to a 4-2 win.
Why did Australia change goalkeeper before the shootout?
Tony Popovic brought on experienced keeper Matt Ryan for Patrick Beach in the 119th minute as a planned shootout specialist. The gamble did not pay off, with Egypt scoring all four of their penalties.
Who will Egypt play in the last 16?
Egypt will face either Argentina or Cape Verde on Tuesday 7 July in Atlanta, kicking off at 5pm.
