Mohamed Salah chipped a panenka down the middle as Egypt eliminated Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Thursday, reaching the World Cup last 16 for the first time in the country’s history.
The round of 32 tie in Texas had finished 1-1 after 120 minutes. Emam Ashour headed Egypt in front from a Karim Hafez cross in the 13th minute, but Mohamed Hany put through his own net under pressure from an in-swinging free-kick to level. It was Hany’s second own goal of the tournament, making him the first player to score two own goals in the same World Cup.
Australia coach Tony Popovic brought on experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryan for the shootout, but the gamble failed. Harry Souttar blazed the first penalty over, putting the Socceroos immediately behind. The next five kicks all went in, including Salah’s cool chip. Teenager Lucas Herrington then struck the bar, and Hossam Abdelmaguid held his nerve to convert the winner.
Salah, who came into the match carrying a hamstring strain, was largely peripheral during normal time but composed when it mattered most from the spot. He was in tears after the final kick went in.
“It’s history,” he said. “I told the boys before the game that this is the biggest stage you can play on. Enjoy it and don’t let the pressure get to you.”
On his decision to attempt the panenka: “If somebody was going to do it, it would be me. I am more experienced than others and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided last minute, I had to do it.”
Egypt had already made history in the group stage by beating New Zealand 3-1, their first World Cup group match win. They now face either Argentina or Cape Verde in the last 16.
