Egypt's national team coach Hossam Hassan dedicated the squad's historic victory over Australia to the Palestinian people after Egypt advanced to the FIFA World Cup round of 16 for the first time. The team defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of play on Friday night.

Following the match, Hassan raised the Palestinian flag and offered the win to the Palestinian people. “My heart and soul are with them,” he stated. “May God have mercy on their martyrs. I dedicate this victory to the Egyptian people and to the Palestinian people, the good and noble people.”

The Egyptian players marked the milestone by kneeling on the pitch in a prayer of gratitude after securing their first World Cup knockout-stage triumph. Hassan, visibly moved, described the result as a landmark for Egyptian soccer while also highlighting support for Gazans and Palestinians who joined the celebrations across the region.

Footage from the Gaza Strip showed supporters viewing the match amid damaged structures and in temporary shelters. Some waved Egyptian flags, and children appeared with faces painted in Egyptian colors.

Team captain Mohamed Salah enjoys the team's historic achievement

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah reflected on the team environment and his rapport with Hassan after the game. When asked about changes under the new coach, Salah smiled and noted, “He beats us at halftime.” He continued more seriously that the overall approach felt similar, adding that he had grown beyond earlier phases of his career.

Salah also addressed his leadership role and efforts to support teammates. “I know my value, and the national team sees how others treat me,” he said. “I try to help the players and create a comfortable atmosphere for them, and that is what matters. This is a historic moment. I told the guys this was the game of our lives and that we had to enjoy every moment. I am so happy we made history with this team.”

He further explained his decision to take a Panenka-style penalty during the shootout. “If someone had to do it, it was me,” Salah remarked. “I have more experience than the others, and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided to do it at the very last split second. I had to do it.”

'Mohamed Salah deserves a statue'

Former Egypt defender Ahmed Elmohamady praised Salah in comments to beIN Sports. “Mohamed Salah deserves a statue. He is unquestionable, in every sense of the word,” he said. Elmohamady highlighted Salah's extraordinary contributions, noting his determination despite an injury and the character shown in the decisive penalty.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi issued congratulations to the squad. “I congratulate the sons of Egypt, the heroes of our national soccer team, on the historic achievement of qualifying for the round of 16 of the World Cup, for the first time in the team's history,” the statement read. “You proved that faith in your abilities, competing with team spirit and determination to win are the keys to achieving great accomplishments.”

Following one of its most memorable nights, Egypt advances to face defending champion Argentina in the round of 16.