'It's history': Salah's Egypt reach World Cup last 16 on penalties
· Yahoo Sports
Mohamed Salah contributed with a Panenka effort as Egypt beat Australia 4-2 on penalties on Friday to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.
The Pharaos converted all their spot kicks while Harry Souttar fired over and teenager Lucas Herrington hit the top of the bar for the Socceroos in the shoot-out between two teams who had never won a knock-out match at the World Cup.
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Australia brought on veteran keeper Mat Ryan for the shoot-out but he did not even come close to saving the efforts of Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia, Salah's chip down the middle and Hosaam Abdel-Maguid, who wrapped up matters.
The score was locked at 1-1 after 90 and 120 minutes in a match where chances were sparse.
Emam Ashour headed Egypt ahead in the 13th minute but Mohamed Hany's own goal drew the Socceroos level in the 54th.
Hany had also hit into his own net in the 1-1 group draw with Belgium as he became the first player to record two own goals at one World Cup.
Dubious records
Australia have a dubious record as well because both goals they have scored in knock-out games were own goals, the first coming in 2022 from Argentina's Enzo Fernandez in the South Americans' 2-1 win.
Egypt move on into a last 16 tie on Tuesday against title holders Argentina or surprise side Cape Verde who meet later Friday.
Egypt followed Morocco into the last 16 as the second of nine African teams that had made the last 32. Cape Verde and Ghana could still follow.
Winners and losers
"It's history. 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. "I'm glad that we managed to win the game. I'm happy that we wrote history today," an emotional Salah said.
Looking at the Panenka penalty, the former Liverpool great said: "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."
Australia's Jackson Irvine, who converted his spot kick, said: "We took it all the way until the end. It is about the team. We win together we lose together," he added as he praised all penalty takers for their courage to step up.
Egypt lead with fit again Salah
Salah was fit to start after picking up a thigh injury in the last group match against Iran but it was Australia who almost drew first blood when Cristian Volpatu hit the top of the bar from a distance.
The Pharaos grew into the game and went ahead on their first serious opportunity after 13 minutes.
A free-kick resulted in no danger but Egypt kept possession and an accurate cross from the right by Karim Hafez found the unmarked Ashour to nod into the near corner.
Australia level but Egypt dangerous
Omar Marmoush missed a big chance for 2-0 seconds after the restart and it got worse for Egypt when Australia levelled in the 54th, the unfortunate Hany heading Aiden O'Neill's free-kick into his own net.
Both sides remained cautious before Egypt suddenly came to life in stoppage time.
Salah's cross was met by Rabia whose thumping header was superbly saved by Patrick Beach with his left arm, Salah aimed into Beach's arms on the ensuing corner kick and Haissem Hassan's goal-bound shot was deflected by Souttar's knee.
Salah had his best moment three minutes into extra time when he blazed over and had an effort blocked after a solo run in the 113th.
But they eventually prevailed in the shoot-out where Souttar's miss on the first attempt set the tone.