Australia (2)1-1(4) Egypt: Hany 55 o.g.; Ashour 13
Egypt had never won a World Cup knockout game before, but after triumphing over Australia on penalties, Mohamed Salah and the rest of the Pharaohs could claim the national record in Dallas.
Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive penalty after Australia’s hopes unravelled in the shootout. Harry Souttar blasted over the bar with the Socceroos’ opening kick before teenager Lucas Herrington struck the crossbar, allowing Egypt to complete a flawless set of spot-kicks.
Salah confidently chipped a Panenka down the middle, even if he was a tad lucky that Mat Ryan had gone just a little too fast and was forced to flail his lower limbs in futility as the ball cruised past him. Then the Egyptian king watched as his teammates converted every penalty before Abdelmaguid sealed the victory to set up a date with Argentina.
Egypt had looked the brighter side during the opening period and deservedly moved ahead after 13 minutes through Emam Ashour. The Al Ahly forward initially saw his effort blocked from a cleverly worked freekick before remaining alert at the far post, where he met Karim Hafez’s looping cross with a header beyond Patrick Beach.
Ashour’s strike, his second goal of the tournament, gave Egypt early control against an Australian side that struggled to create meaningful chances from open play. Cristian Volpato clipped the top of the crossbar with one of the few moments of danger before the interval, but Graham Arnold’s team found little rhythm in possession.
Egypt almost doubled their advantage immediately after the restart when Omar Marmoush curled a shot narrowly wide when he really should have scored, yet Australia found a route back into the contest through a set piece. Aiden O’Neill’s dangerous freekick into the penalty area forced Mohamed Hany into an awkward defensive header that flew into his own net in the 55th minute.
But the Socceroos did nothing to capalise on the positive feeling of the goal and it was Egypt who made any reasonable push towards goal. Rami Rabia seemingly headed beyond the goalkeeper but somehow Beach managed to reach backwards and tip it over the crossbar. It was stalemate and then onto penalties.
