Atlanta: Egypt advanced to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after edging Australia in a tense Round of 32 knockout match decided by a penalty shootout.
Egypt struck early when Emam Ashour headed in the opener in the 13th minute to put his side in front.
Australia drew level in the 55th minute after an attempted block by Egypt’s Mohamed Hany diverted Aiden O’Neill’s effort into his own net, making it 1-1. With no further goals in regulation time or extra time, the contest moved to penalties.
Australia’s coach replaced 22-year-old goalkeeper Patrick Beach with veteran Matthew Ryan for the shootout, but the move did not pay off. Egypt converted through Mohamed Salah, Mohamed Saber, Rami Rabia and Hossam Abdelmageed to win the shootout 4-2.
The result marks a milestone for Egypt, who are playing in their fourth World Cup and have now recorded their first-ever victory in a knockout match to secure a place in the Round of 16.
