from AHMED MOOLAH in Cairo, Egypt
Egypt Bureau
CAIRO, (CAJ News) – EGYPT have made more history at the World Cup after qualifying for the last 16 at the expense of Australia at the Dallas Stadium on Friday evening.
The North Africans progressed after a 4-2 victory in a penalty shoot-out, with the sides having finished 90 minutes and extra time locked at 1-1.
Coming into the match, Australia’s Socceroos were seeking their first victory in the knockout stages, having lost on both of their previous appearances to teams that went on to become world champions.
Egypt, the Pharaohs, on the other hand, had never before reached the knockout stage of a World Cup.
Thus, whichever side prevailed would make history.
Egypt eventually came through thanks to their composure from the penalty spot, converting all four of their penalties while Australia missed two.
It was also the first competitive meeting between the two countries, although Egypt won a friendly 3-0 at home in 2010.
In Dallas, Emam Ashour headed Egypt into the lead in the 13th minute following an excellent team move from a set-piece. It was the 250th goal of the tournament.
Another Egyptian scored the next goal, but this time Mohamed Hany inadvertently headed past his own goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir, to hand Australia a fortunate equaliser 10 minutes into the second half.
Neither side could find a winner in normal time, forcing the match into extra time, although Egypt came agonisingly close to snatching victory at the death.
First, Patrick Beach denied Ramy Rabia by tipping his header over the crossbar, before Harry Souttar blocked Haissem Hassan’s goal-bound effort moments later.
With the teams still level after extra time and a penalty shoot-out looming, Australia coach Tony Popovic switched goalkeepers, replacing Beach with Mathew Ryan.
The move proved unsuccessful as all four Egyptian penalties found the back of the net, including a cheeky effort from Mohamed Salah.
After teenager Lucas Herrington struck his spot-kick against the post, Hossam Abdelmageed calmly slotted home to send Egypt through.
They now advance to face the winners of the Argentina versus Cape Verde Round of 32 encounter, played in the early hours of Saturday.
– CAJ News