The Prague Post - Egypt down Australia to reach World Cup last 16, Cape Verde face Messi

Hossam Abdelmaguid coolly converted the decisive spot-kick to seal a 4-2 shootout win over the Socceroos in Arlington, Texas, after the match finished 1-1 following extra time.

Australia coach Tony Popovic rolled the dice by bringing on veteran goalkeeper Maty Ryan for the shoot-out moments before the final whistle at the AT&T Stadium.

But Ryan was unable to bring his influence to bear, failing to get a hand on any of Egypt's successful four penalties.

Australia meanwhile were left ruing penalty misses from captain Harry Souttar and 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington, who both blazed over.

"It's history," Egypt talisman Mohamed Salah said afterwards.

"I told the boys before the game that this is the biggest stage you can play on. Enjoy it and don't let the pressure get to you," added the former Liverpool star.

Egypt's win bucked what has hitherto been a disappointing knockout phase for African teams,with South Africa, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria all exiting the tournament in the last 32.

- 'Nothing to fear' -

Egypt will play the winner of Friday's game between minnows Cape Verde and defending champions Argentina in Miami.

Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout rounds, face the South Americans dreaming of pulling off what would be the greatest upset in World Cup history.

The team from the Atlantic archipelago have become one of the fairytale stories of this year's expanded 48-team tournament, confounding expectations by earning a draw with Spain before squeezing into the last 32 ahead of Group H rivals Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Argentina, who breezed into the knockout rounds with the help of six goals from captain Messi, will be expected to swat aside the African qualifiers to move one step closer to their dream of back-to-back World Cup titles.

But Cape Verde insist they will not be overawed by the occasion and the prospect of sharing a field with the reigning world champions and eight-time Ballon D'Or winner Messi.

"We are calm because we earned our place here on merit and there is nothing to fear or worry too much about," Cape Verde coach Bubista said.

"We know the importance of the match ahead. It is the match of our lives, but we are going to enjoy it and give our best. There is no other thought in our minds than trying to advance past this round."

Netherlands-born Cape Verde midfielder Deroy Duarte was similarly nonplussed, saying the minnows would relish the chance to make history.

"Everything is an honour and a reward, and we see Argentina as a game like this -- another chance to make history," Duarte said.

"So why not? We will give everything and then at the end of the game we will see."

- 'Not here by accident' -

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who will mark his 100th game in charge of the South American giants in Friday's encounter, insists his team will not be taking their opponents lightly, pointing to their unbeaten record in the group stage.

"This is a team that hasn't lost," said Scaloni.

"They aren't here by accident. We have to respect them, and that is what we will do."

In Friday's other game, Ghana face Colombia in Kansas City, hoping to join Egypt and Morocco as the other African teams to reach the last 16.

Off the field on Friday, anticipation for Sunday's blockbuster last 16 clash between England and Mexico City at the Estadio Azteca was given a jolt of intrigue after it emerged that the kickoff time for the game may be brought forward by several hours.

FIFA is mulling moving the game from a 6pm local time kick-off to midday on Sunday due to the threat of thunderstorms, sources with knowledge of the situation said.

Q.Pilar--TPP