Egypt
Egypt were eliminated from the World Cup with no win and no points earned, but the country’s goalkeeper Essam El Hadary will leave Russia with his head held high, having saved a penalty on the day he became the oldest player in World Cup history.
El Hadary, 45 years and 161 days old, started the Group A tie against Saudi Arabia in Volgograd on Monday, having sat on the bench for defeats to Uruguay and Russia.
The Pharaohs veteran beat the record set by Faryd Mondragon, who appeared for Colombia at Brazil 2014 three days after his 43rd birthday.
El Hadary marked his landmark occasion in sensational fashion, tipping Fahad Al Muwallad’s 41st-minute penalty onto the woodwork to retain Egypt’s 1-0 advantage, earned through Mohamed Salah’s second goal of the tournament.
He is the second keeper to save a penalty on his World Cup debut in Russia; Iceland’s Hannes Thor Halldorsson having denied Lionel Messi from 12 yards.
El Hadary, who is nicknamed “High Dam”, made his debut for Egypt in 1996, a year before his Egyptian squad mate Ramadan Sobhy was born.
Agencies
02:20
France: Avignon Festival celebrates Egyptian diva Umm Kulthum
01:42
Gaza conflict overshadows EU-Southern Neighbourhood talks in Brussels
01:44
Brazil coach Ancelotti sentenced to one year in prison for tax fraud
00:42
Morocco shines at women’s AFCON 2024 with thrilling win over DR Congo
02:05
WAFCON: Super Falcons fans optimistic about the team's performance
01:08
Spanish police reveal Jota was driving above speed limit when he crashed