Waving flags, singing patriotic songs and carrying banners proclaiming "Egypt's men made us proud", thousands of supporters welcomed Egypt's national football team home on Friday after the Pharaohs produced the finest World Cup campaign in the country's history.

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina defended the officiating in Argentina's 3-2 victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16, dismissing allegations of bias and saying match officials operated with complete independence.

An already electric World Cup atmosphere is set to reach a crescendo tonight as two icons of modern football – Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah -- clash in a blockbuster Round of 16 tie at the Atlanta Stadium.

Argentina possess the quality and experience to advance, but if they once again need a 39-year-old Messi alone to rescue them, they may not be so fortunate this time.

The Panenka penalty, named after Czechoslovakia midfielder Antonin Panenka, first entered football folklore in the UEFA EURO 1976 final.

The former Liverpool superstar and Egypt captain stepped up third in the shootout for his country and scored a "Panenka" as they beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in Texas.

Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the winning penalty as Egypt made history by beating a dogged Australia 4-2 on penalties to reach the World Cup last 16 on Friday.

Egypt's talisman and captain Mohamed Salah was named to start the last-32 World Cup encounter with Australia in Texas on Friday following a hamstring niggle.

Australia and Egypt meet in a high-stakes FIFA World Cup last-32 clash in Arlington tonight, with a place in the Round of 16 at stake.

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah resumed training on Tuesday, participating in part of the team's session as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain and boosting hopes he will be fit for Friday's World Cup last-32 clash against Australia.

Fueling extraordinary performances at the World Cup, Egypt star Mohamed Salah combines a meticulous nutrition strategy with intense, midnight gym sessions. Discover how psychological discipline and elite conditioning drive his final international title pursuit.

Salah was substituted in the 76th minute of that 1-1 draw in Seattle, with highly-rated teenager Hamza Abdelkarim coming on.

The squad lineup featured few surprises, except for the inclusion of rising striker Hamza Abdel Karim. The 18-year-old is on loan from Egyptian giants Al Ahly to Barcelona Atletic, the reserve side of the La Liga champions.

Mohamed Salah may not have got the goal he wanted to end his nine-year spell at Liverpool, but the Egyptian did manage an assist before making an emotional departure as his side secured a 1-1 Premier League draw at home to Brentford and a fifth-place finish that ensured Champions League football next season.

Arne Slot said Mohamed Salah "deserves a big send-off", confirming he expected the departing superstar to return from injury before the season is over.

The 33-year-old Egyptian winger, who has announced he will leave the reigning Premier League champions at the end of the season, applauded the crowd as he walked off injured in the 60th minute.

Arne Slot is hoping Mohamed Salah's farewell can inspire a strong end to Liverpool's season as he declared the Egyptian a living "legend" at the club.

Jurgen Klopp believes Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool as one of the "all-time greats", with his "unmatched numbers" likely to prove tough to top for future generations at Anfield.

Salah is one of the few survivors from the Liverpool side that won the 2019 Champions League under Klopp, along with goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defenders Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.

Mohamed Salah is to leave Liverpool at the end of this season, the Premier League champions announced Tuesday.