Australia Braces for Potential Penalty Shootout Against Egypt

So far in the tournament, two out of five knockout games have been decided by penalties.

As Australia prepares for its Round of 32 match against Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Socceroos midfielder Ajdin Hrustic has made it clear the team is ready for all scenarios.

"You've got to be ready for that 90th-minute winner and you've got to be ready for a penalty shootout. That's what it takes to get through to the next stage."

Experience Under Pressure

Hrustic brings valuable experience to high-pressure spot kicks. In the 2022 Europa League final, he successfully converted a penalty for Eintracht Frankfurt against Rangers. Later that year, he scored in the shootout as Australia beat Peru to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Now at his second World Cup, Hrustic has made 38 appearances for Australia.

A Calm Approach

When asked about his penalty technique, Hrustic kept his cards close to his chest:

"I'm not giving nothing away, but I'm calm. If it comes, I'm ready. The boys will be ready and I'm sure the keepers will be ready too."

He declined to reveal the team's shootout preparation details, deferring instead to the head coach.

Limited Minutes, Full Commitment

Hrustic has seen limited game time at this World Cup, appearing as a second-half substitute in the 0-0 draw with Paraguay. Despite the reduced role, he remains fully invested:

"It was like my first cap. It's always special representing your country. But at a World Cup, it's amazing."

Having experienced round-of-16 elimination in 2022—when Australia lost 2-1 to Argentina—Hrustic offered advice to his younger teammates:

"You've got to be ready. You've got to enjoy it. That's the biggest challenge. You've got to enjoy it. You can't forget to enjoy it."