Egypt advanced to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup tournament for the first time in their history after edging Australia on penalties in Dallas.
The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of action with nothing to separate both sides. Emam Ashour opened scoring for Egypt in the first half, but an own goal from Mohamed Hany pulled Australia level in the second half.
The Pharaohs then went on to win on penalties, scoring all four of their kicks, while the Socceroos missed two out of their four attempts.
First half: Ashour’s early strike gives Egypt lead
Australia finished second in Group D behind the United States, while Egypt also ended in second placed behind Belgium after a thrilling 1-1 draw with Iran in their final group game.
The Socceroos were almost ahead in the fifth minute, but Volpato’s effort narrowly missed the target. However, the African side were ahead just after the 10th minute as Ashour rose highest to head home a delivery into the back of the net.
Both sides then had several chances to add to the scoreline before halftime, although they went into the break 1-0 up with a big 45 minutes still to play for.
Second half: Australia pull level to force extra-time
Omar Marmoush could have doubled Egypt’s tally just few seconds after the restart but his effort after a quick break was wide off target.
Australia were right back in the clash as Hany put the ball into his own net after a brilliant delivery into the box from O’Neill from a free kick.
It marked the 13th own goal of the tournament – the most of a single edition, while the Egypt defender became the second player to score two own goals at a single World Cup since Ivan Vutsov in 1966.
Both sides pushed for a winner but it was Egypt who almost snatched it at the death but Australia goalkeeper Beach produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Rabia, before Souttar blocked another attempt.
The game ended 1-1 and went into extra-time to determine the winner of the clash.
Extra-time
There was not much goal mouth action in extra-time, with Egypt dominating possession although Souttar and Australia were equal to the task.
With no goals after 120 minutes, penalties were needed to decide yet another knockout clash at the World Cup.
Harry Souttar missed the first attempt for Australia, blazing over from 12 yards. Lucas Herrington also missed for the Socceroos on their fourth attempt, before Abdelmaguid scored to send Egypt to the next round.
What Next?
Egypt will now face the winner of the Round of 32 tie between Argentina and Cape Verde on July 7 in Atlanta.
