Salah celebrates historic World Cup qualification for Egypt with tears

Egypt has achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time, following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Australia. Star player Mohamed Salah was visibly emotional after the match, calling it "the game of a lifetime."

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I said it was the game of a lifetime. I am happy to have written history.

Salah played a pivotal role in Egypt's triumph, converting a daring 'Panenka' style penalty during the shootout that ultimately secured the 4-2 win. He explained his decision to take the penalty in such a manner was to instill confidence in his teammates. "If someone had to do it, it was me. I have more experience than the others and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided at the last second. I had to do it," Salah stated.

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If someone had to do it, it was me. I have more experience than the others and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided at the last second. I had to do it.

Head coach Hossam Hassan shared in the team's elation, admitting he prayed intensely during the penalty shootout. "Of course, I prayed, I was thinking about the fans, and even during the penalty shootout I was praying and asking 'God let the Egyptian people be happy, do not disappoint them,'" Hassan said. He dedicated the hard-fought victory to the people of Egypt, acknowledging the immense pressure and desire to bring joy to the nation.

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Of course, I prayed, I was thinking about the fans, and even during the penalty shootout I was praying and asking 'God let the Egyptian people be happy, do not disappoint them.'

The coach also confirmed that Salah's participation was a calculated decision, despite earlier suggestions he might be rested due to a recent hamstring injury. Hassan explained the strategic importance of keeping Salah's availability uncertain to potentially affect the opponent's preparations. "Everyone knew it was very important that it wasn't known if he was going to be in the starting eleven or not, because it affected the opponent. One does not have to reveal everything," he noted.

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Congratulations to the Arab and African nations, to our brothers and sisters Palestinians, may God protect them and have mercy on them. This victory is for the Egyptian people. In the end, we were all crying. It has been very difficult and we wanted to make our people happy.