Egypt players watched Real Madrid footage before their World Cup penalty shootout win, with Mohamed Salah later copying Kylian Mbappe's technique from the spot to help defeat Australia
00:37, 04 Jul 2026
Egypt's World Cup team watches Real Madrid before facing Australia in a penalty kick shootout
Egypt's World Cup penalty schedule paid off after studying Real Madrid's tendencies versus Australian keeper Mathew Ryan (Image: X @BBCMOTD)
Egypt secured its first-ever World Cup knockout win by defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, driven by careful preparation that included studying footage of the opposing goalkeeper this season to see his weaknesses.
The Pharaohs studied Australian keeper Mathew Ryan on a laptop before the shootout. Mohamed Salah put his studying to use by executing a Panenka penalty and mimicking the studied footage of Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid's 4-1 win over Levante in La Liga last season.
Images and videos showed Egypt's World Cup stars in training gear sitting on the grass and huddled around a tablet that replayed the La Liga matchup.
The clip showed Mbappe's successful down-the-middle Panenka against Ryan, who was brought on by Australia manager Tony Popovic in the 119th minute specifically for the shootout.
Egypt walked into the do-or-die World Cup situation fully prepared. Australia missed immediately when Harry Souttar blasted the first kick over the crossbar.
Mahmoud Saber then scored for Egypt, Jackson Irvine answered, Ramy Rabia restored Egypt's lead and Awer Mabil made it 2-2 before Salah stepped forward. He chipped a Panenka straight down the middle as studied, and walked back to teammates with confidence.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Lucas Herrington then hit the crossbar for Australia, leaving Hossam Abdelmaguid to bury Egypt's fourth kick into the bottom left corner. The teams stayed level through extra time before Popovic made the late goalkeeper switch.
Salah admitted afterward that the Panenka was a late call.
"I decided last minute, I don't know if it's my last World Cup so I had to do it," he said. The act came as fans had their ears pierced, with Salah's future heavily clouded by transfer rumors.
The Liverpool legend is currently a free agent after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with the Reds a year early. Salah's departure from the club has drawn mixed reactions following indirect criticism of his former manager.
Mohamed Salah scores Egypt's third penalty
Salah scored Egypt's third penalty after studying Mbappe footage
Article continues below
Real Madrid links have followed him for years, even if no agreement has been confirmed. The Saudi Pro League and MLS have also shown reported interest in the world-class forward.
Reports from Egyptian outlets have indicated that the Spanish Giants lead the race for Salah's services. The team's potent attack already features high-profile players including Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and more.
Juventus, Roma, and Inter Milan are al also rumored to be in the race to land the Egyptian king. Egypt's next World Cup opponent will be determined by the winner of Friday's matchup between Argentina and Cape Verde.