Egypt survive penalties, Argentina next as Salah remains a doubt

Argentina await after penalty drama

Your team survived. Egypt beat Australia on penalties in the Round of 32 to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in history (2). Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach made it a tense night, but your Pharaohs held their nerve from the spot.

Now it gets serious. Argentina, Monday July 7, 6pm. The winner faces either Cape Verde or, well, let's be honest, probably Argentina sets up a quarterfinal nobody expected Egypt to reach.

The history that links Salah and Messi

Both captains have scored against the other's nation before. Mo Salah found the net against Argentina at the U20 World Cup, and Lionel Messi did the same against Egypt at the same tournament (6). That was years ago, different jerseys, different stakes. Monday is different.

Hossam Hassan: the police incident, and the flag

The Egypt coach says his confrontation with Dallas police at the team hotel before the Australia match is now resolved (3). "I have moved on," he told reporters.

After the shootout win, Hassan celebrated by waving a Palestine flag. "Les dedico esta victoria," he said, dedicating the result to the Palestinian people (4).

Scaloni might rotate

Argentina's coach is considering changes for this match (5). No names confirmed yet, no leaked lineup. But the world champions have depth others can only envy, and a rotated Argentina is still Argentina. Your team will not care who starts.

Salah's hamstring: the question that decides everything

The captain went off against Iran with a hamstring problem. Hossam Hassan says Salah told him he is "going to be okay." The official update lists him as a doubt. That is the whole tie, right there. If Salah runs at full speed on Monday, Egypt have a chance. If he does not, Omar Marmoush carries the weight alone, with Manchester City watching every touch as a test of his future value.

Fan reactions

The noise from Egypt fans online is a mix of raw pride and anxious hope. Nobody expected this run, and that is what makes it feel so alive. The most discussed thread is here: Egypt vs Australia post-match thread