Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan paid tribute to the Palestinian people after leading his team to a demonstration. FIFA World Cup Raising the Palestinian flag after the Pharaohs’ stunning victory in the Round of 32 against Australia.Egypt booked their place in the Round of 16 for the first time in FIFA World Cup history after beating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Dallas on Friday (local time). As the celebrations unfolded, Hassan was seen carrying the Palestinian flag before handing a historic victory to Egypt and Palestine.Speaking after the match, Hassan expressed his support for the Palestinian people, saying, “My heart and soul are with them,” before praying that “God have mercy on their victims.”He added, “I dedicate this victory to the people of Egypt and to the good and generous people of Palestine.”The win marked a historic milestone for Egypt, who advanced to the first round of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.Australia threatened early on, with Cristian Volpato nodding home the cross from distance inside the opening five minutes before Jordan Bos was denied by Rami Rabia’s timely intervention.Egypt responded by taking the lead in the 13th minute. Karim Hafez whipped in a cross from the left, and Emam Ashour met it with a diving header that beat goalkeeper Patrick Beach at the far post.The Pharaohs did well in the first half, but Australia made a breakthrough soon after the restart when Mohamed Hany accidentally turned a dangerous ball into his own net.Both teams created chances to win the match before penalties. Beach produced a one-handed save to deny Rabia’s powerful header, while Harry Souttar made a crucial block to deny Haisem Hassan to restore Egypt’s advantage. Mohamed Salah he also came close but shot over the bar from a good position in added time.This shootout ended the contest. Souttar fired Australia’s opening penalty from the crossbar, which allowed Egypt to seize the lead. Salah slotted into Panenka calmly, while 18-year-old Lucas Herrington missed Australia’s fourth try. Hossam Abdelmaguid then converted the decisive goal to seal a 4-2 victory and send Egypt into the Round of 16.Egypt will now prepare for a last 16 clash against defending champions Argentina as their unforgettable FIFA World Cup campaign continues.
