Mohamed Salah spotted watching Real Madrid moments before World Cup penalty shootout
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesFIFA World CupEgypt players watched Real Madrid footage before their World Cup penalty shootout win, with Mohamed Salah later copying Kylian Mbappe's technique from the spot to help defeat AustraliaEgypt's World Cup penalty schedule paid off after studying Real Madrid's tendencies versus Australian keeper Mathew Ryan (Image: X @BBCMOTD)Egypt secured its first-ever World Cup knockout win by defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, driven by careful preparation that included studying footage of the opposing goalkeeper this season to see his weaknesses.The Pharaohs studied Australian keeper Mathew Ryan on a laptop before the shootout. Mohamed Salah put his studying to use by executing a Panenka penalty and mimicking the studied footage of Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid's 4-1 win over Levante in La Liga last season.Images and videos showed Egypt's World Cup stars in training gear sitting on the grass and huddled around a tablet that replayed the La Liga matchup.The clip showed Mbappe's successful down-the-middle Panenka against Ryan, who was brought on by Australia manager Tony Popovic in the 119th minute specifically for the shootout.Egypt walked into the do-or-die World Cup situation fully prepared.
Australia missed immediately when Harry Souttar blasted the first kick over the crossbar.Mahmoud Saber then scored for Egypt, Jackson Irvine answered, Ramy Rabia restored Egypt's lead and Awer Mabil made it 2-2 before Salah stepped forward. Salah's departure from the club has drawn mixed reactions following indirect criticism of his former manager.Salah scored Egypt's third penalty after studying Mbappe footageReal Madrid links have followed him for years, even if no agreement has been confirmed.
The Saudi Pro League and MLS have also shown reported interest in the world-class forward.Reports from Egyptian outlets have indicated that the Spanish Giants lead the race for Salah's services. Egypt's next World Cup opponent will be determined by the winner of Friday's matchup between Argentina and Cape Verde.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.FIFA World CupMohamed SalahReal Madrid CF