Egypt beat Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout Friday as the African nation advanced in a knockout round match for the first time at the World Cup.
Egypt made all four of their spot kicks — with Mohamed Salah chipping down the middle on his attempt and Hossam Abdelmaguid netting the decisive kick — while Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed attempts for Australia after the game had ended 1-1 after extra time.
Just before the shootout, Australia coach Tony Popovic made a switch at goalkeeper, bringing on veteran Mathew Ryan to replace starter Patrick Beach.
“I think if you look at, OK, it didn’t work, so we can look at many things on in the reasons behind it,” Popovich said after the game. “But Maty is experienced and I think if you look at his record in saving penalties, Patrick is new as a goalkeeper, not just in with the national team, but even in club football. And I just felt that Maty’s experience would be the difference.
“In the end. It didn’t, it didn’t work out that way, but not, not because of Matty’s poor judgment or lack of ability. They took really good penalties.
The late goalkeeper switch to the 34-year-old Ryan, for his 105th international appearance, came despite several strong saves from the 22-year-old Beach, who was playing in only his sixth game for the Socceroos.
After the game, Beach said the change came as a surprise to him.
“I’m not sure, you’ll have to talk to the coaches about that. I found out at the same time you guys did,” Beach told reporters. “There’s obviously a plan that was put in place, and it wasn’t for us to know about. Our job is just to focus on the game and what’s happening in the moment. Obviously, there was a general decision and discussion that was had. And that’s it. The coaches made a decision.
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