World Cup: Egypt beats Australia on penalties to reach last 16

Egypt advanced to the FIFA World Cup round of 16 Friday after edging Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. 515f

The result marks Egypt’s first win in a World Cup knockout match. 515f

Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead in the 13th minute, heading in a cross from Karim Hafez after Australia conceded a free kick near the box. Australia leveled in the 55th minute when Egypt’s Mohamed Hany turned the ball into his own net. 515f

Neither side found a winner in regulation or extra time. In the shootout, Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed for Australia, while Hossam Abdelmaguid rolled in the decisive spot-kick for Egypt. The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with Egypt taking penalties 4-2. 515f0fab

Mohamed Salah started for Egypt despite a hamstring strain suffered in the group stage. The 34-year-old had scored once and added two assists in Egypt’s three Group G matches. He returned to training Tuesday after missing the end of Liverpool’s season with a similar issue. 515ff09f

Egypt held 53% possession to Australia’s 47%. Both teams had one shot on target in 120 minutes. Australia outshot Egypt 8-5 overall but failed to convert in the shootout. ef6ae965

With the win, Egypt moves into the round of 16 and will face the winner of Friday’s Argentina vs. Cape Verde match. That tie is set for Tuesday, July 7, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. da485cdc

Australia exits the tournament after finishing second in Group D behind the United States. The Socceroos beat Turkey 2-0, lost 2-0 to the USA, and drew 0-0 with Paraguay in group play. 5949e965

Attendance at AT&T Stadium was 70,244. 5cdc