Salah's panenka sends Egypt to first-ever World Cup quarter-final as Australia's goalkeeper gamble backfires

Egypt are through to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history after defeating Australia 4-3 on penalties in Dallas, following a goalless draw after 120 minutes. Mohamed Salah converted a panenka and Hossam Abdelmaguid sent Mat Ryan the wrong way to complete a famous victory for the Pharaohs.

Australia’s bold decision to swap goalkeepers at the end of extra time proved costly. Patrick Beach, who had been excellent throughout, was replaced by ex-Arsenal stopper Mat Ryan in the final minute — a gamble that never paid off. Harry Souttar blazed over with Australia’s first penalty and youngster Lucas Herrington struck the bar, meaning Egypt needed only four of their five attempts, converting every one.

Salah, who has yet to confirm his next club following his departure from Liverpool, explained the thinking behind his audacious spot kick. “If somebody was going to do it, it would be me,” he said. “I am more experienced than others and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided last minute, I had to do it.”

The captain was equally emotional about the broader significance of the result. “It’s history,” Salah said. “I told the boys before the game that this is the biggest stage you can play on. Enjoy it and don’t let the pressure get to you. I’m happy that we wrote history today.”

The match itself had been tightly contested. Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead after just 13 minutes, and they carried that advantage into half-time. Australia levelled on 55 minutes when Mohamed Hany turned the ball into his own net, and neither side could find a winner across the remaining 65 minutes of normal and extra time.

Egypt had not won a World Cup match since their only previous appearance in 1934 before this tournament. They now advance to the quarter-finals, where they are likely to face Argentina, who are strong favourites to eliminate Cape Verde in their round-of-16 tie. Neither Egypt nor Australia had ever previously reached the last eight of a World Cup.