The crucial clash in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup between Australia and Egypt, which took place at the Dallas Stadium, United States, on Saturday (4/7) early morning WIB, delivered high tension. After a fierce 90 minutes of play, a 1-1 draw forced the match into 2x15 minutes of extra time.
Egypt, whose prospects were initially doubted due to the fitness of their megastar, Mohamed Salah, made a surprising move by playing their key player from the opening minute. The Egyptian coaching staff's squad briefly held the upper hand after Emam Ashour's header in the 13th minute successfully breached Australia's net, capitalizing on a sweet cross from Karim Hafez.
Australia did not just stand by. Despite being shocked by the early goal, the team nicknamed the Socceroos continued to employ a *high pressing* strategy to break down Egypt's defense. Their hard work finally paid off in the 55th minute. A miscalculated clearance by Mohamed Hany while trying to block a free kick resulted in an own goal, bringing the score back to a 1-1 deadlock.
Entering the final minutes of the second half, the match became increasingly dramatic. Both teams traded attacks to avoid extra time. Egypt almost won the match in *injury time* through an effort by Rami Rabia, who met Salah's pass, but Australia's goalkeeper, Patrick Beach, performed brilliantly, making a crucial save to keep his team's hopes alive.
The draw at the final whistle of the second half ensured this match proceeded to the *extra time* phase. Both teams are now having their physical endurance tested under the pressure of the world's most prestigious football competition to determine who deserves to advance to the Round of 16.
