The Egyptian national team coach raises the Palestinian flag after the historic victory in the FIFA World Cup, and dedicates the victory to the Palestinians

Hossam Hassan, the coach of the Egyptian national team, sent an emotional tribute to the Palestinian people after he led his team to a historic achievement in the World Cup, as he raised the Palestinian flag moments after the Pharaohs won a dramatic result in the round of 32 over Australia.Egypt booked its place in the Round of 16 for the first time in World Cup history after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a difficult 1-1 draw in Dallas on Friday (local time). As the celebrations began, Hassan was seen carrying the Palestinian flag before dedicating the historic victory to both Egypt and Palestine.Speaking after the match, Hassan expressed his support for the Palestinians, saying: “My heart and soul are with them,” before praying, “May God have mercy on their martyrs.”He added: “I dedicate this victory to the Egyptian people and to the good and generous Palestinian people.”The victory was a historic milestone for Egypt, which qualified beyond the opening round of a FIFA World Cup tournament for the first time.Australia threatened early, with Christian Volpato hitting the crossbar from long range into the net five minutes before kick-off, before Jordan Boss was denied by a timely challenge from Rami Rabia.

Egypt responded by taking the lead in the 13th minute. Karim Hafez sent a perfect cross from the left side, and Imam Ashour met it with a header that went past goalkeeper Patrick Beach at the far post.The Pharaohs were the best in the first half, but Australia equalized shortly after the start of the second half when Mohamed Hani accidentally diverted the ball from a dangerous free kick into his own net.Both teams created chances to win the competition before the penalty shootout. Beach made a brilliant one-handed save to deny Rabiaa’s powerful header, while Harry Soutar made a crucial save to prevent Haysem Hassan from restoring Egypt’s advantage. Mohamed Salah also came close to scoring, but he shot over the crossbar from a promising position during extra time.Penalty kicks decided the contest in the end. Souttar headed Australia’s opening penalty kick over the crossbar, allowing Egypt to seize the initiative. Salah calmly scored from a Panenka ball, while 18-year-old Lucas Herrington missed Australia’s fourth attempt. Hossam Abdel Majeed then scored the decisive penalty kick to secure a 4-2 win on penalties and send Egypt to the round of 16.Egypt is now preparing for its Round of 16 encounter against defending champions Argentina as it continues its unforgettable journey in the FIFA World Cup.