Egypt beat Australia on penalties to reach World Cup last-16
The Pharaohs of Egypt became the second African team to qualify for the Round of 16 at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Australia on penalty shootouts on Friday.
Egypt took the lead in the game played at the Boston Stadium in the 13th minute through Emam Ashour who headed home a delightful cross which was sent floating in the air by his teammate, Karim Hafez.
Australia equalized in the 55th minute of the second half when Egypt’s Mohamed Hany scored a record-breaking own goal making him only the second player ever to score two own goals in a single World Cup tournament.
The Aussie’s were able to hold the Egyptian’s for the better part of the second half of the game, with the coach of the Socceroos, Tony Popovic making a tactical switch when he substituted veteran goalkeeper Mathew Ryan specifically in the 119th minute, for the penalty shootout.
However, the tactical gamble made by the coach Popovic backfired as substitute goalkeeper Ryan failed to stop any Egyptian attempts throughout the tense shootout while the Australian’s missed two spot kicks.
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Egypt’s composure in the shootout secured their progression to the Round of 16 with team captain Mohammed Salah coolly converting his spot kick through the middle.
Their upcoming opponent in the next knockout phase of the World Cup will be decided in the final Round of 32 match between Argentina and African hopefuls Cape Verde.
Key match statistics: Australia Vs Egypt
Possession:Australia 42% – Egypt 58%
Total Shots: Australia 15 – Egypt 14
Shots on Target: Australia 3- Egypt 4
Big Chances Created: Australia 0 – Egypt 3
Accurate Passes: Australia 404 (80%) – Egypt 614 (85%)
Corners: Australia 4 – Egypt 7
Goalkeeper Saves: Australia 3 – Egypt 1
Duels Won: Australia 63 – Egypt 61
Fouls Committed: Australia 12 – Egypt 14
Yellow Cards: Australia 0 – Egypt 2
