Mohamed Salah, captain of the Egyptian national team, expressed his great happiness at the victory against Australia, confirming that the Pharaohs players entered the match aware of the magnitude of the responsibility placed on their shoulders.
Mohamed Salah
Club: Free agent
The Egyptian national team achieved an exciting victory on penalties against Australia after drawing in regular and extra time with one goal for each team.
Mohamed Salah said via beIN Sports: "We made history and I spoke to the players before the match about the need to showcase our own quality, and I am very happy to achieve the win in the match".
Regarding the "Panenka" penalty kick, he said: "If there was someone who would take it that way, it would be me. I decided at the last moment to take it that way if it was my last World Cup".
Regarding the potential matchup with Lionel Messi in the next round, he said: "We must respect all teams".
The Egyptian national team qualified for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup finals at the expense of Australia, achieving the best achievement in the history of Egyptian football globally.
Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties, after regular time and the two extra halves ended in a 1-1 draw at Dallas Stadium.
Imam Ashour scored Egypt's goal, while Mohamed Hany scored Australia's equalizer with an own goal.
With this victory, Egypt awaits the winner between Argentina and Cape Verde shortly to face them in the round of 16 next Tuesday at 7 PM at "Atlanta" Stadium.
