Egypt coach dedicates World Cup victory to Palestine

After making history by defeating Australia in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan dedicated the victory to the people of Palestine. Following the match, he celebrated on the pitch while holding the flags of both Egypt and Palestine.

In the Round of 32 match held on Friday at Dallas Stadium in Texas, USA, the game ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time. Egypt then secured a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout, recording their first-ever knockout-stage win at a FIFA World Cup.

Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive penalty for Egypt. For Australia, Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington both failed to score after their spot-kicks were saved, sending the Socceroos out of the tournament. Egypt will now face Argentina in the Round of 16.

Egypt took the lead in the 13th minute through a header from Emam Ashour. However, Australia equalized 10 minutes into the second half after an own goal by Mohamed Hany. With neither side able to find another goal, the match was decided by penalties.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Hossam Hassan said, "May Allah grant victory to the Palestinian people and have mercy on their martyrs. I dedicate this victory to the people of Palestine as well as to the people of Egypt."

After the match, Hassan entered the field carrying the Palestinian flag. He and the entire Egyptian team celebrated the historic victory by performing a sujood (prostration of gratitude).

Egypt's victory sparked widespread celebration among Palestinians on social media. Tamer Nahed, a resident of Gaza, wrote on X, "This is the first time I've followed the World Cup with such excitement. Egypt's victory made me happy, but the most emotional moment was seeing thousands of people come out of destroyed homes and tents to watch the match together. For a brief moment, everyone seemed to forget the reality of war and experience a sense of normal life again."

Videos circulating on social media showed Gazans watching the match on makeshift screens set up beside the ruins of bombed buildings. Many children had the Egyptian flag painted on their faces, and spectators erupted in celebration after Egypt sealed the victory.