Huge Emotions After Historic Advancement. Salah Couldn't Hide His Delight: "One of the Best Days of My Life"

Egypt took the lead in the 13th minute with a header from Emam Ashour, who scored his second goal of the tournament. Australia also found the net thanks to an Egyptian player, as Mohamed Hany unluckily directed a cross into his own goal in the 55th minute, becoming the first player in history to score two own goals in a single tournament. Ultimately, however, it didn't cost them.

Australian defender Harry Souttar started the shootout by firing over the bar. After Egyptian players Mahmoud Saber, Rami Rabia, and Mohamed Salah were all clinical, Australian defender Lucas Herrington stepped up. He became the second unsuccessful shooter in the shootout, and following Hossam Abdelmaguid's subsequent accurate attempt, Egyptian jubilation erupted.

"I was only thinking of the Egyptian fans. Throughout the entire match and during the penalty shootout, I just prayed: 'God, please make the Egyptian people happy.' I actually told myself that even before the penalties," Abdelmaguid remarked.

At the time of his decisive strike, Mathew Ryan was already in goal for Australia, having replaced Patrick Beach just before the end of extra time. Even he couldn't prevent Australia's defeat. "It's incredible. I always love to see the players on this team happy and enjoying the moment. Nothing compares to that. Today was one of the best days of my life," stated Egyptian captain Salah.

This marked Egypt's debut in the knockout stage of the World Cup, while the Australian "Socceroos" bid farewell to the tournament.

"When you're so close to winning and you don't achieve it, it hurts a lot. Unfortunately, that's how it goes with penalties," commented Australia coach Tony Popovic. Egypt will face Argentina in the next round, who eliminated Cape Verde with a 3-2 victory after extra time.