Australia v Egypt · OurXI

★ The storyline

Heartbreak from twelve yards for Australia

Nobody deserves to lose a game like this, and tonight it was Australia. Level with Egypt at 1–1 through 120 minutes in the round of 32, they fell 2–4 in the shootout. Penalties don't measure the better team — only who's left standing — and that will be no comfort at all tonight. Some defeats you argue about; this one you just carry.

ComebackDeveloping

Egypt hold their nerve

Level at 1–1 with Australia after 120 minutes in the round of 32, so it came down to the spot — and Egypt held their nerve, 4–2. There's no harder way to win a football match, and no better feeling when the last one hits the net.

Why it matters

Round of 32 — win or go home.

Who to watch

Talisman

Jackson Irvine

Australia

The midfield heartbeat and on-field leader the Socceroos build around.

Talisman

Mohamed Salah

Egypt

The gravity of this team — Egypt rise and fall on whether he can find space.

Developing

Egypt are through to the last 32

Egypt are into the last 32. Job done in the group, and now the tournament really begins — one-and-done from here, every match a final.

Developing

Australia are through to the last 32

Australia are into the last 32. Job done in the group, and now the tournament really begins — one-and-done from here, every match a final.

Developing

Australia keep it tidy and take it

Australia 2, Türkiye 0. A clean sheet and a comfortable win in the group stage — no fuss, no scare, exactly the sort of statement that puts a marker down for the rest of the field.