CORNERFLICK
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan dedicated his side’s historic World Cup last-16 place to the people of Palestine after the penalty shootout win over Australia.
Egypt reached the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time in their history, recovering from a 1-1 draw in normal and extra time before winning the shootout 4-2.
Speaking to beIN Sports after the match, Hassan said the result belonged to Egypt, the Arab world and Africa, and praised the supporters who travelled to the stadium. He said he had been praying in the closing minutes for his team to find a way through.
Hassan later added that he wanted to dedicate the win to the people of Palestine, whom he said had never stopped backing Egypt, and prayed for mercy for the Palestinian dead.
He also went onto the pitch holding a Palestinian flag as Egypt’s players and fans celebrated the landmark qualification.