Egypt Writes History in Dallas! - Salah's audacious Panenka and a stunning 4-2 penalty shootout win see the Pharaohs book their place in the Round of 16 for the first time since 1934

This is the World Cup story destined for the history books. Egypt's first World Cup knockout victory since 1934. After 92 agonizing years of waiting, their redemption arrived in the most dramatic fashion possible, in Dallas of all places.

The match itself, after 120 exhausting minutes, ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Egypt took the lead in the 13th minute, with Emam Ashour finding the back of the net with a headed effort from a set-piece. However, Australia responded in the 55th minute when Mohamed Hany, lamentably, put through his own net. It was his second own goal of the tournament, a dubious World Cup first for any player. Despite a flurry of late chances from both sides during extra time – Mohamed Salah came tantalizingly close in the closing minutes – Australia's substitute goalkeeper, Mat Ryan, was brought on specifically for penalties but could not save a single Egyptian attempt.

The shootout that followed was nothing short of sensational. The very first kick from Australia’s Harry Souttar soared wildly over the bar. Egypt confidently converted. An 18-year-old Lucas Herrington saw his effort rattle against the post in the fourth round, a heartbreaking moment for the young player on the grandest stage. But the highlight of the entire contest, and likely one of the defining moments of this World Cup, came when Mohamed Salah stepped up with Egypt leading 3-2. With unwavering composure and ice in his veins, he delicately chipped an audacious Panenka right down the middle. Pure magic. Untouchable.

Following Salah’s brilliance, Hossam Abdelmaguid calmly dispatched the decisive penalty, sending Ryan the wrong way and clinching Egypt’s historic 4-2 victory. The Egyptian bench erupted in delirium, while Salah sank to his knees in overwhelming emotion. 92 years of pain, extinguished in Dallas on July 3, 2026.

Egypt now awaits the winner of the Argentina vs. Cape Verde match in the Round of 16. They will undoubtedly enter the next round as significant underdogs, just as they did against Australia. However, Salah’s extraordinary Panenka clearly demonstrates the immense level of confidence currently flowing through this Egyptian team, suggesting they might just exceed expectations.

For those who placed their bets on Gate, backing Egypt at +240 to advance was an incredible value opportunity. And for all the followers of Australia (-160 favorites), today serves as a harsh reminder that in the World Cup knockout stages, history and statistics can be dramatically overturned.

Did you believe Egypt could make history in Dallas, and will Salah’s unwavering confidence in that Panenka lead them to a deep run in this tournament, heading into the Round of 16?

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