FIFA WC: Egypt make history with shootout win over Australia, Hassan hails joy for ‘120 million Egyptians’

Egypt scripted another landmark moment in their FIFA World Cup journey, defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to secure their first-ever knockout victory and a place in the Round of 16, where they will face defending champions Argentina.

Forward Haissem Hassan described the triumph as a moment of national pride, saying the team has given “120 million Egyptians” a reason to celebrate after achieving one of the country’s greatest football milestones.

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“Honestly, it’s incredible because you know there are 120 million people in Egypt you’ve made happy today,” Hassan said after the match.

“Knowing you’ve brought happiness to so many people makes you happy too. It’s a perfect day. We’re looking forward to celebrating in the dressing room, and we expect a lot of Egyptian fans waiting for us at the hotel.”

The Pharaohs had already made history by recording their first-ever World Cup victory against New Zealand in the group stage. They followed it up with another breakthrough by prevailing in a dramatic penalty shootout after Australia fought back to force extra time.

Egypt took the lead in the 13th minute when Emam Ashour headed home after Karim Hafez recycled a partially cleared free-kick. Australia had threatened early through Cristian Volpato, whose powerful strike rattled the crossbar, but Egypt gradually settled into the contest and looked the more composed side.

The Socceroos found their equaliser 10 minutes into the second half when Mohamed Hany inadvertently diverted Aiden O’Neill’s free-kick into his own net. Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find a winner in regulation or extra time.

Patrick Beach produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Rami Rabia late in normal time, while Harry Souttar made a crucial block to prevent Haissem Hassan from scoring after excellent work by Mohamed Salah, who had recovered from a hamstring concern to start the match.

The contest was ultimately settled from the penalty spot, where Egypt were flawless. Mohamed Salah confidently converted a Panenka, while Australia saw Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington fail from 12 yards, allowing Hossam Abdelmaguid to seal a famous victory.

Goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir, son of former Egypt international Ahmed Shoubir, praised the team’s resilience after another battling display.

“It was Egyptian grit. It’s something in our genetics,” Shoubir said.

“We fight until the end, no matter the circumstances or injuries. We fight for our fans, for our country and for ourselves. Since arriving here, we told each other we wouldn’t come just to play the group stage and go home. We believed we could achieve something special.”

The celebrations extended beyond the result. Shortly after the final whistle, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan walked onto the pitch carrying both the Egyptian and Palestinian flags, dedicating the victory to the people of both nations.

“May God grant them victory and have mercy on their martyrs,” Hassan said. “I dedicate this win to the Egyptian people and to the Palestinian people.”

The victory also saw Egypt become only the second African nation to win a FIFA World Cup penalty shootout after Morocco, while extending Hossam Hassan’s unbeaten run in charge. The Pharaohs will now head to Atlanta for a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against Lionel Messi’s Argentina on July 8.