Shootout heartbreak leaves Socceroos still searching for elusive World Cup knockout win
Australia's long wait for a World Cup knockout victory continues following a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Egypt in the Round of 32. The Socceroos fell 4-2 in the shootout after the teams drew 1-1 in extra time.
Eighteen-year-old Lucas Herrington, the youngest starter the Socceroos have ever fielded at a World Cup, will forever be connected with the painful defeat. His penalty kick was struck too high into the crossbar. As the teenager hid his emotions, Jackson Irvine and Nestory Irankunda offered him embraces, providing what comfort they could in devastating circumstances.
Harry Souttar had also failed from the spot earlier, scooping his effort over the bar and handing Egypt the initiative. Despite Tony Popovic bringing on substitute goalkeeper Maty Ryan in the dying stages, Egypt scored all four of their spot kicks to seal the shootout.
The match itself remained tight throughout. Emam Ashour's 13th-minute header gave Egypt the lead after Australia's press broke down on the right flank. The Socceroos equalised midway through the second half when Mohamed Hany deflected the ball into his own net, sending the match to extra time and eventually the penalty shootout.
Egypt's Mohamed Salah, aged 34 and one of Africa's greatest footballers, ensured his side made history by securing their first-ever win in the knockout stages of a World Cup. The Liverpool star demonstrated admirable sportsmanship, carefully shaking hands with each Australian opponent.
"It's history," Salah said. "I told the boys before the game that this is the biggest stage you can play on. Enjoy it and don't let the pressure get to you. I'm glad that we managed to win the game. Bad luck to them. I'm happy that we made history."
Australia must now wait at least another four years for that elusive knockout victory, continuing their search for a first World Cup knockout win.