Egypt dedicate historic WC match win to Palestine

Egypt secured their first-ever World Cup (WC) knockout victory on Saturday (July 4), beating Australia on penalties at Dallas Stadium, and head coach Hossam Hassan dedicated the historic win to the people of Palestine.

The match finished 1-1 after regulation and extra time before going to a penalty shootout, where misses from Australia's Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington opened the door for Egypt to close it out 4-2, with Hossam Abdelmaguid converting the decisive spot-kick.

The win marked Egypt's first-ever progression past a World Cup knockout round, setting up a Round of 16 meeting with defending champions Argentina.

An emotional Hassan told reporters after the match that he prayed for God to grant victory to the Palestinian people and mercy on their martyrs, dedicating the win to both the Egyptian and Palestinian people. Moments after the final whistle, he carried both the Egyptian and Palestinian flags onto the pitch, while his players dropped to the ground in prostration.

Hassan's message spread quickly on social media, drawing responses from residents of Gaza. In the war-torn territory, hundreds gathered around makeshift screens set up near bombed-out buildings to watch the match, many children with Egyptian flags painted on their faces. As the win was confirmed, celebrations broke out among people who had come out from tents and rubble to watch.

Gaza resident Tamer Nahed wrote on X that it was the first time he had followed a World Cup with this much excitement, adding that despite everything around them, the moment gave people a chance to celebrate life.

Egypt next face Argentina in Atlanta on July 7.