5 Things Mohamed Salah Said After Egypt's Historic Win Over Australia

4/7/2026
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By EgyScores
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Mohamed Salah delivered one of his most memorable post-match interviews after captaining Egypt to a historic penalty-shootout victory over Australia, sending the Pharaohs into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time.

Here are the five biggest takeaways from the Egypt captain's comments.

1. "Hossam Hassan smacks us at half-time... like you always say."

When asked what had changed inside the Egypt camp to produce such impressive performances, Salah smiled before replying: "Hossam Hassan smacks us at half-time... like you always say."

The remark drew laughter from the journalists in the mixed zone, referencing the public perception of Hossam Hassan's fiery personality and passionate team talks.

2. "Nothing is really different from previous camps."

Salah dismissed the idea that Egypt's success came from a dramatic change inside the squad.

He said he does not believe there is anything fundamentally different compared to previous training camps, adding that the players themselves are the best people to explain the atmosphere within the national team.

3. "I'm too old to care about social media."

The Liverpool star also addressed criticism on social media, making it clear that online opinions no longer affect him.

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"I'm too old to care about social media. Everyone can say whatever they want. I know my value, the players know my value, and everyone sees how they treat me."

Salah added that his role is to help and support his teammates, not make life more difficult for them.

4. "If anyone was going to take a Panenka, it had to be me."

Salah revealed that he made the decision to chip his penalty only at the last moment.

He explained that, as the most experienced player in the squad, he wanted to give confidence to the rest of the team.

"I decided at the last moment. I don't know if this will be my last World Cup, but I had to do it."

5. "I told the players to enjoy the moment."

Before facing Australia, Salah reminded his teammates that they were playing on the biggest stage in football.

He encouraged them to enjoy the occasion and not allow pressure to overwhelm them, expressing his delight after Egypt made history by reaching the Round of 16.