'Asia' out of World Cup as Salah’s Panenka helps Egypt seal shootout win over Australia

Egypt ended Asia's run in the FIFA World Cup by knocking out Australia in the round of 32 with a perfect penalty shootout win in Dallas.

Mohamed Salah scored his spot kick in Panenka style while three of his teammates also converted. Lucas Herrington and skipper Harry Souttar missed for the Aussies as the shootout ended 4-2 in favour of Egypt.

With Japan losing to Brazil, Australia had been the only team registered with the Asian Football Confederation in the round of 32.

Tony Popovic changed his goalkeeper in the final minute of extra time, with the shootout in mind. Mathew Ryan replaced Patrick Beach. It would have been hailed as a masterstroke had Ryan been effective in the shootout, but the former Brighton keeper only managed to get a hand to one of the kicks, taken by Mahmoud Saber, but in vain.

In hindsight, it might have been smarter to stick with Beach, who was impressive in the dying moments of the second half.

Beach had an answer to every attack launched at the Aussie goal. He denied Ramy Rabia with a smart one-handed save after keeping out Mohamed Salah and Attia as well. Souttar blocked Haissem Hassan's goal-bound effort as Australia kept the scoreline at 1-1.

Mohamed Hany had headed into his own net in the 55th minute to give Australia the equaliser after Emam Ashour put Egypt ahead in the 13th minute with a glancing header.

Australia knocked on the pyramid doors with more attempts, but rarely managed one on target in the first half. Volpato came close but could not trouble Mostafa Shoubir in the Egyptian goal.

At the other end, Al Ahly midfielder Ashour had stayed onside to flick a header from a Karim Hafez cross. The Egyptians have extended their unbeaten run in the World Cup to four matches after securing their maiden knockout victory. 

Egypt will face either Argentina or Cape Verde in the round of 16 in Atlanta on July 7.