Australian player misses deciding penalty in shootout loss

An 18-year-old Australian defender stepped up for the fourth kick in a penalty shootout and struck the crossbar. Egypt converted its next attempt and won the match. The player returned to the center line where teammates waited. One teammate crossed the line and embraced him, telling him to keep his head up.

The defender later said the teammate is a top leader in the group and that the support meant a great deal during a difficult moment.

Teammate comments A midfielder told reporters he was proud of the 18-year-old for taking the kick and said the player's career will include both ups and downs. He added that the player has experienced many positive moments and will recover from this one.

The same midfielder also noted that the stand-in captain missed Australia's first penalty after a strong defensive performance. A winger who scored during the tournament said the choice of shot was understandable and that the player has a bright future ahead.