Australia have been knocked out of the World Cup following penalty shootout heartbreak.
Harry Souttar who was the Socceroos’ rock at the back was the unfortunate taker, as he skied his spot kick.
Tony Popovic’s side fell behind early through a header by Emam Ashour and struggled to get going in the first half.
But they grew into the game after the restart and were good value for their equaliser after Mohamed Hany flicked an Aiden O’Neill free-kick into his own net.
It was a cagey extra time period that led to penalties, where Maty Ryan was brought on to be the hero, but the country’s captain was unable to have an impact.
Maty Ryan was brought on to be the penalty shootout hero but couldn’t make a save as Australia were knocked out of the World Cup
Harry Souttar was Australia’s rock at the back but his penalty miss put his side on the back foot
Australia (3-4-2-1)
Patrick Beach – 8
Made a wonder save two minutes from time after a flicked header seemed to have wrongfooted the big goalkeeper that kept his team in the World Cup as Egypt piled on the pressure just before full-time.
Could do little about Emam Ashour’s fine header that gave Egypt the lead. Throughout the tournament, he has shown composure well beyond his six caps for the Socceroos.
Substituted for captain Maty Ryan as penalties approached.
Patrick Beack’s wonder save kept his team in the World Cup until they were eliminated on penalties
Alessandro Circati – 6
Didn’t really notice his work today, a sign of a solid defensive display as he kept his side of the field under control.
Harry Souttar – 8
A rock at the back for his side today, Souttar was everywhere he needed to be in his own box. May need an ice pack for his head after dealing with so many crosses into the box.
His biggest defensive contribution came just after Beach’s wonder save as he blocked an effort with his knee that looked a certain goal.
Repeated the trick in the second half when he headed Mohamed Salah’s curling effort over the crossbar.
Disastrous penalty that cleared the crossbar by some distance put his side on the backfoot.
Lucas Herrington – 7
Was given the daunting task of lining up against Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, but you would never have guessed it was just his fifth international cap.
He is primed for a big move to Europe this season – and his composed display throughout showed why.
Bravely stepped up for his side but saw his penalty crash off the crossbar.
Jordan Bos suffered a heartbreaking end to what was a strong World Cup campaign
Jordan Bos – 6
Picked up where he left off against Paraguay with a surging run down the right that caused panic in the Egypt back line.
Was on the receiving end of a clattering tackle at the end of the first-half and was subsequently subbed off.
Jackson Irvine – 6
Gave away a free-kick in a dangerous area that eventually led to the opening goal for Egypt.
A steady pesence otherwise, but would have wanted to see him do more when he did have the ball at his feet.
Aiden O’Neil – 7
Worked tirelessly in midfield as he always does, showed a few moments of quality when able to get into attacking areas in the second-half.
Finally found some quality from a set piece situation as his cross – after he was fouled – caused all kinds of problems as Mohamed Hany put through his own net.
Aziz Behich – 5
A steady presence again, ran his legs into the ground up and down the Australian left. Cannot criticise his desire to help his team, but leaves a little to be desired with the ball at his feet.
Gets a small share of the blame for Egypt’s opener as he and Irankunda failed to communicate the danger at the back post.
Connor Metcalfe – 5
Industrious in his application, but struggled to get into the game, as Australia found most of their joy down the opposite side.
Was perhaps somewhat fortunate to stay on over Cristian Volpato when Tony Popovic looked to freshen up his side.
Cristian Volpato – 7
Almost got his side off to the perfect start when his effort from 20 yards out crashed against the crossbar inside 5 minutes. Looked the most likely for the Socceroos in the first half as he linked up nicely with Jordan Bos.
Faded a little in the second half without his wide partner providing those marauding overlapping runs.
Taken off just under 20 minutes from time as Popovic looked to get fresh legs on the pitch.
Nestory Irankunda was given the unenviable task of leading the line in an unfamiliar position but he worked tirelessly for his side
Nestory Irankunda – 5
Wasted as a lone striker in the first half, as he struggled to really make an impact with his back to goal. Will take a share of the blame for the goal Australia conceded as he watched the run of Ashour.
Australia’s shift in mindset for the second half allowed the young winger to thrive, as he was able to exploit the space left by Egypt.
Taken off with 17 minutes to go in the second half; would have liked to have seen him given a chance to play in a more familiar position.
Substitutes
Kai Trewin – 6
Immediately thrust into the action as he did just enough to prevent Omar Marmoush from doubling Egypt’s lead straight after the restart.
Filled in for Bos admirably as his fresh legs helped overrun a rather leggy Egyptian side late in the second-half.
Mohamed Toure – 4
Failed to have a real positive impact in the second half after coming on for Irankunda. Was fortunate to not cost his side when he bizarrely gave away a corner three minutes from time.
Wasteful when he was able to get his team up the pitch and really should have won the game for his side when a scramble in the Egypt box fell to him.
Ajdin Hrustic – 4
Struggled to really have an influence when he came on, as the game became disjointed due to the number of changes made.
Paul Okon-Engstler – 6
Some neat touches as he picked up the pace of the game early in extra time, almost Toure away with a lovely slide rule pass.
Awer mabil – 6
Worked hard for his side when came off the bench in what was a very cagey extra time perioud.
Maty Ryan – 2
Brought on to be the penalty shootout hero for the Socceroos. Could do little to get to save Egypt’s first penalty but failed to get near any other their other spot kicks as Australia were beaten on penalties.
Manager
Tony Popovic – 4
Felt like he got it wrong at the start as he has yet to start Toure and Irankunda together since their 2-0 win over Turkiye in their first match of the tournament.
Half-time team talk worked wonders as his side showed far more intent after the break.
Made the risky decision to bring on Maty Ryan for Patrick Beach and that didn’t pay-off. Can’t say Popovic didn’t take risks, but some bizarre team selections cost his side in the end.
