Salah says ‘had to do it’ after coolest of penalties in World Cup win

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Egypt’s forward #10 Mohamed Salah shoots and scores in a penalty shoot-out during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Australia and Egypt at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 3, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

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A nerveless Mohamed Salah said he decided only at the last moment to chip in his penalty under massive pressure to help Egypt into the World Cup last 16 on Friday.

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The former Liverpool superstar and Egypt captain stepped up third in the shootout for his country and scored a “Panenka” as they beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in Texas.

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Egypt, who won a World Cup knockout game for the first time, face Lionel Messi’s Argentina or Cape Verde next.

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The 34-year-old Salah was clearly hampered by a hamstring strain, but played the whole 120 minutes and stepped up for his country when they needed him.

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“If somebody was going to do it, it would be me. I am more experienced than others and I wanted to give them confidence,” said Salah, who had looked emotional afterwards.

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“I decided last minute, I had to do it.”

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Salah proclaimed “history” for Egypt and told his team-mates to enjoy it, after the great underachievers of African football finally made their mark on the biggest stage.

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Salah could well be at his last World Cup, and said: “I always try to enjoy every moment because it does not come back.

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“So I always tell the boys, ‘just enjoy the moment’, and probably we’ll see tonight in a few minutes how we’re going to celebrate outside the bus now.

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“But we can’t take it for granted because Egypt — I don’t know how many times I’ve said the word — but it’s never before we qualified in a group stage and never qualified for the next round, so it’s just a moment to enjoy.”

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Egypt coach Hossam Hassan had said on Thursday that he was “not sure” if the talisman would be fit to start.

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But Hassan named him in a starting XI that also included Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush in attack.

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Aside from his penalty in the shootout, Salah has one goal and two assists so far at the tournament in North America and averages a goal every other game for his country.

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AFP

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