Egypt beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Arlington to reach the World Cup round of 16 for the first time. Coach Hossam Hassan dedicated the win to Egyptians and Palestinians.
Egypt beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Arlington to reach the World Cup round of 16 for the first time. Coach Hossam Hassan dedicated the win to Egyptians and Palestinians.
Emam Ashour headed Egypt in front after 13 minutes at Dallas Stadium in Arlington. Australia hit back early in the second half through an own goal by Mohamed Hany. Neither side found a winner across 120 minutes, and the tie went to a shootout.
Egypt converted all four of their spot kicks. Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia, Mohamed Salah and Hossam Abdelmaguid all scored, with Abdelmaguid striking the decisive penalty. Australia's Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington both missed as the Pharaohs won 4-2.
Hossam Hassan was visibly emotional at the final whistle, shedding tears before joining his players in a prostration on the pitch. He then walked the pitch carrying the Egyptian and Palestinian flags side by side, as chants of "free free Palestine" rose in the background.
The coach dedicated the result to Egyptians and Palestinians. "Egyptian supporters are the best and the biggest," he said. "Congratulations to all of them."
Asked about the flag, FIFA said its display was permitted. "Flags representing all 211 FIFA member associations are permitted at FIFA tournaments," a spokesperson said. There was no indication of any action against Hassan.
The victory is a first in Egypt's history. The Pharaohs had never won a World Cup knockout match before, and had never reached the round of 16. They got there by converting every penalty in the shootout.
Hassan is the first person to both play and coach for Egypt at a World Cup. The former striker holds the national team's all-time scoring record and ranks second for caps with 176 international appearances.
Salah has been central to the run. The 34-year-old has started all four of Egypt's games at the tournament, contributing one goal and two assists. After the whistle he and teammates were filmed celebrating with fans on the streets of Texas, singing and dancing.
Days before the match, video circulated of Hassan and team director Ibrahim Hassan in a confrontation with a Dallas police officer at the team hotel, apparently over a player taking a picture with a young fan. Dallas police said officers had responded to a request from hotel security about an individual without event credentials, and that the matter was resolved at the scene.
Hassan said the team had accepted an apology. "We are really happy to be here at this tournament and we are satisfied with the security personnel that are accompanying us," he said through a translator.
Egypt face defending champions Argentina in the round of 16 on Tuesday in Atlanta. Argentina advanced after a win over Cape Verde.
