Egypt Knock Australia Out of World Cup on Penalties in Dramatic Last-16 Battle

Last Updated on July 4, 2026

The Socceroos are out of the World Cup after Egypt won a penalty shootout in the last 16, with captain Harry Souttar among those to miss. Elsewhere, Australian coach Ange Postecoglou takes charge at Al-Nassr, and Napoli name Massimiliano Allegri as head coach.

Egypt end Australia’s World Cup run on penalties

Australia’s World Cup is over. Egypt beat the Socceroos in a penalty shootout in the last 16 after the sides finished level at 1-1 following 120 minutes, setting up a meeting with the winner of Argentina against Cape Verde in Atlanta next Tuesday. You can follow the odds on the last-16 ties at the top crypto betting sites.

Egypt struck early through Emam Ashour, who headed home from a Karim Hafez cross. Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush spurned the chance to double the lead moments later when his effort was blocked, and just seven seconds into the second half he missed again, sliding wide when one-on-one with Australian keeper Patrick Beach.

That let-off proved crucial. Ten minutes after the break, Mohamed Hany turned a free-kick from the left into his own net — his second own goal of the tournament after an earlier one against Belgium. It was the 13th own goal of this World Cup, a record for the competition, surpassing the 12 set at Russia 2018.

Australia lost Feyenoord defender Jordan Bos to injury at half-time, hobbling off with support from two staff members. Egypt nearly won it in normal time when Rami Rabia headed goalward from close range, only for Beach to produce a superb reflex save.

Coach Tony Popovic brought on former AZ goalkeeper Matthew Ryan for the shootout, but it was Australia who cracked. Captain Harry Souttar blasted the first spot-kick over the bar, and Lucas Herrington missed the fourth. Mahmoud Saber, Rabia and Mohamed Salah all converted for Egypt before Hosam Abdelmaguid struck the decisive penalty.

Postecoglou to manage Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

Australian coach Ange Postecoglou has been appointed head coach of Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he will manage Cristiano Ronaldo. Postecoglou has signed a contract running across two seasons.

Al-Nassr won the Saudi league title in the recently completed 2025/26 season, giving Ronaldo the domestic championship he has chased since his 2023 move.

Postecoglou arrives with a well-travelled CV that includes spells at Celtic, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest. He led Tottenham to Europa League glory but was sacked afterwards, then took the Nottingham Forest job before a short stay. Saudi Arabia now offers him a fresh start.

Napoli appoint Allegri as Conte’s successor

Napoli have appointed former AC Milan and Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri as head coach on a three-year contract, following the departure of Antonio Conte.

The move hands Allegri the task of building on Conte’s work at the Serie A club after last season’s campaign.

Short from the rest

Sebastien Haller is leaving FC Utrecht after a season and a half, thanking supporters on social media following a disappointing second spell. The 32-year-old striker managed just five goals in 37 Eredivisie matches. Several outlets report Sanfrecce Hiroshima want to sign him, with a move to Japan looking likely.

Norway defender Julian Ryerson faces a race to be fit for Sunday’s last-16 tie against Brazil. The Borussia Dortmund full-back has been out since being substituted with injury early in Norway’s second group match. Team doctor Ola Sand rated his chances at less than 50 per cent, saying the game hangs by a thin thread, though pundit Kristoffer Lokberg believes Ryerson could manage at least an hour.

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