Egypt coach Hossam Hassan paid an emotional tribute to the Palestinian people after leading his team to a landmark. FIFA World Cup success, raising the Palestinian flag moments after the Pharaohs secured a dramatic 32-run victory in Australia.Egypt booked their place in the Round of 16 for the first time in FIFA World Cup history after beating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Dallas on Friday (local time). As the celebrations unfolded, Hassan was seen holding the Palestinian flag before dedicating the historic victory to Egypt and Palestine.Speaking after the match, Hassan expressed his support for the Palestinians, saying: “My heart and soul are with them,” before praying that “God have mercy on their martyrs.”He added: “I dedicate this victory to the Egyptian people and to the good and generous Palestinian people.”The victory marked a historic step for Egypt, who advanced beyond the knockout round of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.Australia threatened early on, with Cristian Volpato hitting the crossbar from distance in the opening five minutes before Jordan Bos was denied by a timely intervention from Rami Rabia.Egypt responded by taking the lead in the 13th minute. Karim Hafez whipped in an inviting cross from the left, and Emam Ashour met it with a diving header that beat goalkeeper Patrick Beach at the last post.The Pharaohs enjoyed the better of the first half, but Australia leveled soon after the restart when Mohamed Hany accidentally turned a dangerous free-kick into his own net.Both teams created chances to win the contest before penalties. Beach produced a superb one-handed save to deny Rabia’s powerful header, while Harry Souttar made a crucial block to prevent Haisem Hassan from restoring Egypt’s lead. Mohamed Salah it’s also close, but he shot over the bar from a promising position during extra time.The shootout finally settled the contest. Souttar flashed Australia’s opening penalty over the crossbar, allowing Egypt to take the initiative. Salah calmly slotted in a Panenka, while 18-year-old Lucas Herrington missed Australia’s fourth attempt. Hossam Abdelmaguid then converted the decisive penalty to seal a 4-2 shootout win and send Egypt into the Round of 16.Egypt will now prepare for a last 16 clash against defending champions Argentina as their memorable FIFA World Cup journey continues.
