The Mat Ryan gamble that failed spectacularly as Egypt beat Australia on penalties

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The Independent

3 July 2026

Egypt

recorded their

first World Cup knockout victory

as Australia’s decision to send on goalkeeper

Mat Ryan

specifically for the penalty shoot-out failed to pay off.

Ryan replaced Patrick Beach with the score at 1-1 with 90 seconds remaining in a pre-determined tactic – however the former Brighton keeper failed to guess the right way, never mind get near any of Egypt’s attempts, as the African side prevailed 4-2 on spot-kicks.

The move seemed harsh on Beach, who made a great save from Ramy Rabia to keep the scores level late in added time, and ultimately proved worthless after Harry Souttar ballooned his first attempt over and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington hit the crossbar.

open image in gallery

The decision to replace Patrick Beach for the shootout was harsh (Getty)

Egypt scored all four penalties, with

Mohamed Salah

chipping a cheeky effort down the middle, as they won their first shoot-out in five attempts.

Emam Ashour had given them a 13th-minute lead when his initial shot from a free-kick was blocked but his downward header from the resulting cross beat Beach down by his right-hand post for Egypt’s first goal in the knockout stages.

It was Ashour’s second goal for

, both at the

World Cup

, and the 250th of tournament.

Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush shooting just inches wide, moments after the second half kicked off, was Egypt’s next-best chance until Rabia’s header was kept out.

By then

Australia

were level as Mohamed Hany, who had earlier taken a heavy blow to his head, could only divert Aiden O’Neill’s inswinging free-kick into his own net.

Mohamed Hany became only the second man to score two own goals at the same

(Reuters)

He became only the second man – joining Bulgaria’s Ivan Vutsov in 1966 – to score two own goals at the same

and it was the 13th of the tournament, setting a new record.

Salah said he felt the responsibility as a senior player but admitted he made a very late decision on his method.

“I decided last minute, I don’t know if it’s my last

so I had to do it,” he told BBC One.

On the significance of the victory he added: “It’s history: I told the boys before the game this is the biggest stage you can play in your life.”

World Cup: Egypt beat Australia on penalties to reach the Round of 16

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Australia screw up shootout as Egypt ease into World Cup last 16

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Souttar penalty miss ends Australia's World Cup dream against Egypt

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Australia 1-1 Egypt (2-4 on pens): Hossam Abdelmaguid sends Pharaohs through to World Cup last-16

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Argentina take on Cabo Verde; Egypt defeat Australia in shootout

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