There are some players who just make everything look inevitable, and right now Mohamed Salah is firmly in that category for Egypt. The Liverpool forward has been at the absolute heart of his country's World Cup campaign, and when it came down to the lottery of penalties, he stepped up like he always does. No drama, no hesitation, just Salah doing what Salah does.
Egypt making World Cup history is a big deal, and it would be doing the whole squad a disservice not to acknowledge the collective effort. But let's be honest with ourselves here — without Salah, this story probably does not exist. He is the difference between Egypt being a decent African side and Egypt being a genuine talking point on the world stage. That is not hyperbole, that is just the reality of having one of the best players on the planet wearing your shirt.
What is genuinely impressive is how he carries that weight without seeming to buckle under it. International football can be a graveyard for big club players. You see it all the time — world class performers who look half the player when they pull on the national jersey. Salah has never been that. He shows up, he competes, and he delivers when the lights are brightest. Egypt fans must absolutely love the man, and frankly they should.
The penalty shootout element of this is worth dwelling on for a second too. Penalties are as much about nerve as they are about technique, and the fact that Salah stepped up in that moment tells you everything about his mentality. As a Manchester United fan it slightly pains me to say this, but the man is genuinely elite and has been for years. Fair is fair.
Egypt will now be dreaming bigger than they probably ever have before, and Salah will be the reason why. Whether they can go deep into the tournament remains to be seen, but right now they are writing a story that their supporters will talk about for generations. Enjoy it, Egypt. You have earned it.
Let me know your thoughts.