Egypt reached another historic milestone on Friday after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties to claim the country’s first-ever victory in a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage match.
The contest finished 1-1 after extra time before being decided from the penalty spot. Egypt converted all four of their penalties, while Australia’s Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington failed to score. Moments before the shootout, Socceroos coach Tony Popovich replaced goalkeeper Patrick Beach with experienced shot-stopper Mathew Ryan.
Australia had drawn level after Egypt defender Mohamed Hany inadvertently put the ball into his own net, making him the first player to score two own goals in the same World Cup tournament.
Egypt had taken the lead in the 13th minute through Emam Ashour in what was the nation’s first appearance in a World Cup knockout-stage match. Australia, meanwhile, were hoping to secure their maiden knockout-round victory at the tournament after previous unsuccessful attempts.
Neither side could find a winner during the additional 30 minutes of extra time, forcing the match into penalties, where Egypt held their nerve to seal a famous triumph.
The victory sends Egypt into the next round, where they will meet the winner of Friday’s clash between Argentina and Cape Verde.
