Egypt team huddled around laptop watching Mbappé penalty vs Ryan before historic shootout victory

In a masterclass of modern football preparation, Egypt’s national team left no stone unturned ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against Australia. Just moments before the penalty shootout, players and staff were spotted huddled around a laptop reviewing specific clips — not generic saves, but a high-profile penalty taken by Kylian Mbappé against Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan.

Why Mbappé vs Ryan? The Smart Tactical Edge

During a La Liga match for Real Madrid against Levante in January 2026, Mbappé faced Ryan in a penalty situation. Ryan attempted to unsettle the French superstar with dramatic side-to-side movements on the goal line. Mbappé stayed composed, sent the keeper the wrong way, and even playfully mimicked Ryan’s “dance” in celebration.

Egypt’s coaching staff used this exact footage to help their penalty takers analyze:

• Ryan’s positioning and habits from the spot
• His tendency to commit early or use distraction tactics
• Timing and body language cues

This level of detail-oriented scouting highlights how elite teams now treat penalty shootouts like a science, combining video analysis, data, and psychology.

Preparation Pays Off: Egypt Advance with Perfect Shootout

The strategy worked brilliantly. After a tense 1-1 draw through extra time, Egypt converted all four of their penalties to win the shootout 4-2 against Australia. This victory marked Egypt’s first-ever knockout-stage win at the FIFA World Cup, sending the Pharaohs into the Round of 16.

Australia’s Mathew Ryan, a veteran with significant experience, couldn’t replicate the success he might have hoped for, as Egypt’s players appeared calm and decisive from 12 yards.