Egypt Advance to Round of 16 on Penalties - Salah’s Panenka the Defining Moment at Dallas Stadium

Egypt are through to the Round of 16 for the first time in their history, and it took every last second of a match that had absolutely no business being that good. Egypt advances after downing Australia 4-2 on penalties.

The Pharaohs went up early when Karim Hafez found Eman Ashour in the 13th minute, and for long stretches it looked like Egypt were going to control this thing comfortably. Marmoush spurned a big chance to double it in the opening seconds of the second half, which could have ended this one sooner. Australia used some momentum to tie it up in the 55th minute when a free kick found Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany’s head.

Seconds before the final whistle, Patrick Beach made a massive save on a header that would have sent Egypt through in regulation.

Extra time settled nothing, though Australia coach Tony Popovic made his intentions clear late, subbing Beach out for veteran Matthew Ryan, specifically to prepare for penalties.

That move may have cost the Socceroos a win as Egypt went four-for-four with their takes, with Saber, Rabia, Hossam and Salah scoring their penalty kicks, including a Panenka style kick from Salah. Australia missed two of their penalties with Mabil and Irvine finding the back of the net in the loss.

Key Moments

5’ - Big chance early for the Aussies. Volpato received the ball near the top of the penalty box. He made one move to lose a defender before firing a shot that tips the crossbar to go out.

13’ - GOAL! Egypt gets on the board first with a header from Emam Ashour off a cross from Karim Hafez.

46’ - Egypt quickly tries to get a second goal moments into the second half. Marmoush gets free inside the penalty area and pulls a shot wide. Huge opportunity to get an insurance goal.

55’ - GOAL! Australia ties it up on a free kick goal that goes off the head of Egyptian player Mohamed Hany.

90+3’ - BIG STOP! Egypt nearly gets a game-winner but the Australian keeper Patrick Beach makes a huge stop on an open header inside his penalty box.

109’ - Beach again with a big stop, this time on a long-range shot from Marwan Attia.

Penalty kicks!

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Instant Reaction

This was every bit the Knockout Round match you’d expect to see with two sides that have never made it this far in their World Cup history. Scrappy. Rarely composed.

As much as you hate to see games end in penalty kicks at this stage, the better team won this one. Australia had their moments, but they lacked the bite needed in their attack to really be dangerous.

Man of the Match

The stadium gave it to Salah, so we’ll do the same here. Late in the game he stepped up and really showed his leadership as Egypt was pushing hard for a game-winner before penalty kicks.

What’s next for both squads

Egypt moves on to face the winner of Argentina-Cape Verde in the Round of 16. That match will be next Tuesday in Atlanta.

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