​Mohamed Salah produced a Panenka for Egypt as they defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties to reach the World Cup last 16 on Friday. The Pharoahs converted all their spot kicks while Harry Souttar’s attempt sailed over and Lucas Herrington struck the top of the bar for the Socceroos in a shoot-out that followed a 1-1 draw after extra time. Australia brought on veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan for the shoot-out, but he was unable to save any of Egypt’s penalties from Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia, Salah’s precise down-the-middle chip, and Hossam Abdel-Maguid, who sealed the victory.
The score had been 1-1 after 90 and 120 minutes, with chances scarce throughout. Emam Ashour had given Egypt the lead in the 13th minute, but Mohamed Hany’s own goal levelled the match for Australia in the 54th. Hany, who also scored an own goal in the group-stage draw with Belgium, became the first player to record two own goals at a single World Cup.
Australia’s Cristian Volpato hit the crossbar early, but Egypt remained the more threatening side. They nearly snatched a winner in stoppage time of regulation when Rabia’s header from a Salah cross was superbly saved by goalkeeper Patrick Beach, and Salah went wide in extra time. Egypt advances to a last-16 clash on Tuesday against either defending champions Argentina or surprise package Cape Verde, who meet later on Friday. Egypt joins Morocco as the second of nine African teams to reach the knockout stage, with Cape Verde and Ghana still in contention.