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
02:05
WAFCON: Super Falcons fans optimistic about the team's performance
01:08
Spanish police reveal Jota was driving above speed limit when he crashed
00:58
Ex-Arsenal mid-fielder Thomas Partey charged with five counts of rape
00:53
Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai dies at 61
01:05
Ethiopia's mega-dam on the Nile is "now complete", Prime Minister says
01:29
Club World Cup: Inter Milan forward Luis Henrique reacts after suprise Fluminense win