MUSCAT — For Mohamed Salah, the tears said everything.

Eight years after leaving the World Cup heartbroken in Russia, the Egyptian captain stood on football’s biggest stage once again, this time overwhelmed by joy rather than despair. As Egypt celebrated a landmark victory and a place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, Salah could no longer hold back his emotions.

The moment was bigger than qualification. It was history.

Egypt’s triumph, alongside Morocco’s earlier success, marked the first time that two African nations had won knockout matches at the same World Cup, a milestone that resonated far beyond the final whistle.

By the end of a tense and dramatic contest, Salah found himself at the centre of another defining chapter in his remarkable career. The 34-year-old may not have produced his most dazzling performance, but when it mattered most, he delivered. He created opportunities late in the game and then stepped forward during the penalty shootout to produce a moment of audacious brilliance, calmly chipping home a Panenka penalty under immense pressure.

Before the match, Salah had gathered his teammates with a simple message.

“This is the biggest stage you can play on,” he told them. “Enjoy it and don’t let the pressure get to you.”

The words appeared to have the desired effect. Egypt played with belief, composure and resilience, eventually ending a painful run of four consecutive shootout defeats in major tournaments.

“I’m glad that we managed to win the game,” Salah said afterwards. “I’m happy that we made history.”

His Panenka penalty drew admiration and surprise in equal measure, but the forward admitted he always felt the responsibility belonged to him.

“If somebody was going to do it, it would be me,” he said with a smile. “I am more experienced than the others and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided at the last minute. I had to do it.”

The victory adds another memorable chapter to Salah’s international journey and comes at a fascinating moment in his career, with the Egyptian still weighing up his next move after departing Liverpool last month.

For now, however, club decisions can wait.

As Egyptian supporters celebrated across the globe, Salah allowed himself a rare moment of vulnerability, tears streaming down his face as the significance of the achievement sank in.

The challenge ahead will only grow tougher, with a last-16 clash in Atlanta awaiting. But for one unforgettable night, Egypt’s captain was not thinking about the next opponent.

He was simply enjoying a moment that had taken a lifetime to arrive.