Mohamed Salah revealed he decided at the last moment to chip his penalty under massive pressure, as Egypt beat Australia 4-2 on penalties to reach the World Cup last 16 for the first time. The match had ended 1-1 after extra time in Texas.
Salah's Decisive Panenka
The former Liverpool superstar and Egypt captain stepped up third in the shootout and scored a Panenka — a delicate chip down the middle — to put his side in control. 'If somebody was going to do it, it would be me. I am more experienced than others and I wanted to give them confidence,' said Salah, who looked emotional afterwards. 'I decided last minute, I had to do it.'
Historic Achievement for Egypt
Egypt, who had never previously won a World Cup knockout game, will now face Lionel Messi's Argentina or Cape Verde in the round of 16. Salah, 34, played the entire 120 minutes despite a hamstring strain that had cast doubt on his fitness. Coach Hossam Hassan had said on Thursday he was 'not sure' if the talisman would be fit to start, but named him in a starting XI that also included Manchester City's Omar Marmoush.
Salah Reflects on the Moment
'I always try to enjoy every moment because it does not come back,' said Salah, who could be at his last World Cup. 'So I always tell the boys, just enjoy the moment, and probably we'll see tonight in a few minutes how we're going to celebrate outside the bus now. But we can't take it for granted because Egypt — I don't know how many times I've said the word — but it's never before we qualified in a group stage and never qualified for the next round, so it's just a moment to enjoy.'
Salah's Tournament Performance
Aside from his penalty in the shootout, Salah has one goal and two assists so far at the tournament in North America, and averages a goal every other game for his country. Egypt's victory marks a breakthrough for the 'great underachievers of African football,' as Salah proclaimed 'history' and urged his teammates to savor the achievement.
