Egypt give Matthew Ryan a Shot in Goal

43/52nds of the World Cup

 

 

 

Australia are yet another nation to never have won a World Cup Playoff match. The furthest they've ever been is the Round of 16, which this year would mean winning an extra elimination match in the Round of 32. Egypt's only Round of 16 appearance was in 1934. They lost to Hungary 2-4. Both teams were vying for a bit of history in their football lore. Of particular note was Australian Captain Matthew Ryan once again finding himself on the bench. Egypt would strike first via Emam Ashour in the 13th minute to give them a 1-0 lead. That scoreline would carry to the 2nd half where Australia would draw even thanks to Mohamed Hany's own goal. Neither team could find the net for the remainder of the match, and that included 30 minutes of extra time. A substitution in the 118th minute pulled Australia's starting keeper Patrick Beach for Matthew Ryan. Would the veteran's experience pay off in the penalty shootout? 

Harry Souttar would take the first spot kick for Australia, but would fire high right and over the bar. Mahmoud Saber would try to put Egypt ahead and  shoot to the keeper's right. Matthew Ryan guessed correctly, but couldn't match the speed of the shot. 0-1 Egypt.

Jackson Irvine would take the second attempt for Australia and fire to the top right corner as Mostafa Shobeir dove the other way. Rami Rabia would go next for Egypt, and fire low to the left of center as Matthew Ryan dove the other way. 1-2 Egypt.

Awer Mabil would try to keep Australia in this shootout and put the ball just right of center as a Mostafa Shobeir fell the wrong way. Mohamed Salah would take charge for Egypt and power the ball down the center as Matthew Ryan moved to his left. 2-3 Egypt.

Lucas Herrington needed to score to keep Australia's hopes alive, but fired the ball to the right of goal and over the crossbar. Hossam Abdelmaguid would step up with a chance to send Egypt to the Round of 16. He would send Matthew Ryan the wrong way as he slotted the ball to the left. Australia begin the long journey home. Egypt roll on to play the winner of Argentina and Cape Verde.