Salah Admits Last-Minute Panenka Decision Secured Egypt's Historic World Cup Win

Mohamed Salah revealed that his audacious Panenka-style penalty kick against Australia was a spur-of-the-moment decision, crucial in securing Egypt's historic 4-2 shootout victory and their first-ever advancement to the World Cup round of 16.

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If someone has to do it, let me do it because I have more experience than other players and I want to give them confidence.

The Egyptian captain, despite battling a hamstring injury, played the full 120 minutes before stepping up to take the third penalty in the shootout. With the score tied 1-1 after regulation and extra time, Salah chose a daring chip down the middle, a move he confessed was decided at the very last second.

"If someone has to do it, let me do it because I have more experience than other players and I want to give them confidence," Salah stated, reflecting on his decisive role. "I made that decision at the last minute because I knew I had to take responsibility."

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I made that decision at the last minute because I knew I had to take responsibility.

Salah described the historic achievement as the most meaningful moment for Egypt, finally breaking their World Cup jinx. "I always try to enjoy every moment because opportunities like this will not come again," he shared. "I always tell my teammates to enjoy every second because this is the history we are creating, and tonight we will celebrate it together."

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I always try to enjoy every moment because opportunities like this will not come again.

Egypt will now face defending champions Argentina in the round of 16, following Lionel Messi's team's victory over Cape Verde.

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I always tell my teammates to enjoy every second because this is the history we are creating, and tonight we will celebrate it together.