Australia coach: Taking a penalty against Egypt is very easy.

Australia assistant coach Mile Jedinak has played down the pressure of a possible shootout against Egypt in the World Cup round of 16.

The former Australia captain said penalty-taking felt simple in his own career because the job was to stay focused and put the ball in the net. Speaking to ABC Australia, he said the key was to take control of the moment and avoid thinking about anything else.

Jedinak added that players need repeated exposure to penalties to develop their own routine, but accepted that it is hard to build that into normal training because shootouts do not come around often. He said the aim is for players to recognise the situation, know what feels right and trust they have the best solution available.

He also said the wider squad preparation still has to take priority, while leaving room for scenarios like a match going to extra time and penalties.