![\"Egypt](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-132173322,imgsize-54112,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/fifa-world-cup-2026-egypt-head-coach-raises-palestinian-flag-dedicates-historic-r32-win-to-palestinians.jpg\" "\\"FIFA")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nEgypt head coach Hossam Hassan paid an emotional tribute to the Palestinian people after guiding his team to a landmark FIFA World Cup<\/a> achievement, raising the Palestinian flag moments after the Pharaohs secured a dramatic Round of 32 victory over Australia.Egypt booked their place in the Round of 16 for the first time in FIFA World Cup history after edging Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Dallas on Friday (local time). As celebrations unfolded, Hassan was seen holding the Palestinian flag before dedicating the historic win to both Egypt and Palestine.Speaking after the match, Hassan expressed his support for Palestinians, saying, “My heart and soul are with them,” before praying that “God have mercy on their martyrs,”.He added, “I dedicate this victory to the Egyptian people and to the good and generous Palestinian people.”The victory marked a historic milestone for Egypt, who progressed beyond the opening knockout round of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.Australia threatened early, with Cristian Volpato rattling the crossbar from distance inside the opening five minutes before Jordan Bos was denied by a timely intervention from Rami Rabia.Egypt responded by taking the lead in the 13th minute. Karim Hafez whipped in an inviting cross from the left, and Emam Ashour met it with a diving header that beat goalkeeper Patrick Beach at the far post.The Pharaohs enjoyed the better of the first half, but Australia drew level shortly after the restart when Mohamed Hany accidentally turned a dangerous free-kick into his own net.Both teams created chances to win the contest before penalties. Beach produced a superb one-handed save to deny Rabia’s powerful header, while Harry Souttar made a crucial block to prevent Haisem Hassan from restoring Egypt’s advantage. Mohamed Salah<\/a> also came close but fired over the bar from a promising position during extra time.The shootout ultimately settled the contest. Souttar blazed Australia’s opening penalty over the crossbar, allowing Egypt to seize the initiative. Salah calmly chipped in a Panenka, while 18-year-old Lucas Herrington missed Australia’s fourth attempt. Hossam Abdelmaguid then converted the decisive penalty to seal a 4-2 shootout victory and send Egypt into the Round of 16.Egypt will now prepare for a last-16 clash against defending champions Argentina as their memorable FIFA World Cup journey continues.<\/div>\n