Australia’s World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking finish Saturday morning with a penalty-shootout loss to Egypt.

The Socceroos’ were within sight of becoming the first Australian side to win in the knockout stage of the World Cup when its round-of-32 clash was locked at 1-1 after extra time.

But a composed Egypt side claimed the win and advanced 4-2 on penalties.

Harry Souttar blasted the opening penalty into the stands, while Lucas Herrington hit the bar with the fourth.

Maty Ryan, surprisingly substituted in for Patrick Beach in goal for shoutout, didn’t get near Egypt’s spot-kicks as the Socceroos’ hunt for a maiden knockout win goes on.

Tony Popovic, who became the first Socceroo to play at a World Cup and then coach the Socceroos at the World Cup, said he was proud of his team’s performance.

“I’ve always maintained it is a wonderful group. They’ve shown how good they are tonight,” Popovic said

“At this moment, right now, everything is a little bit tough to take, but I’m sure every Australian is proud of the group and what they did through the tournament and tonight the effort they put in,” he said.

Egypt proved the better side when it came to penalties. Photo: AAP

Australia’s hopes took a hammer blow when Egypt’s Emam Ashour scored in the 13th minute in front of 70,244 fans at Dallas Stadium.

Things went from bad to worse when star wing-back Jordan Bos was forced out of the game just before halftime after suffering an apparent left knee injury when he was clattered late by Rami Rabia.

But the Socceroos responded when Aiden O’Neill’s wicked free kick forced Mohamed Hany to head the ball into his own net in the 55th minute.

Patrick Beach pulled off an extraordinary diving save to deny a glancing header from Rabia in the 93rd minute and send the game to extra time.

Bos was carried off the pitch following a tackle from an Egyptian defender. Photo: AAP

After neither team could break the deadlock after 120 minutes, the Socceroos faced their a penalty shootout for the first time at the World Cup.

Egypt will now take on either Argentina or Cape Verde, who play later on Saturday.

Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine paid tribute to his side’s efforts through 120 minutes of a high-pressure World Cup match.

“Congratulations to Egypt, huge victory for them. An historic day for them as well,” an emotional Irvine said.

“Listen, we took it way to the very end. Penalties is a cruel way to lose, but anybody who has got the confidence to step up and take that ball after 120 minutes, or however long you have played, it takes a big heart,” he added. 

As they put World Cup disappointment behind them, the Socceroos will next regroup as they prepare for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in January.

“We said from the beginning we have a champion team. Our strength is in the team. It’s not about any player. We are a unit. We do everything together, we win together, we lose together – everything,” Irvine said.

Socceroos fans at a live site at Tumbalong Park in Sydney. Photo: AAP

Thousands of diehard Socceroos supporters braved a crisp winter morning to pack live sites and pubs for Australia’s clash with Egypt.

Enthusiastic supporters, dressed in a sea of green and gold, set out hours before the 4am kick-off to secure a spot at live sites and pubs in cities including Melbourne and Sydney.

-with AAP