The single sharpest fact is that Australia's Socceroos team lost to Egypt in a tense penalty shootout, eliminating them from the World Cup in the knockout stage. The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with Cristian Volpato and Jordan Bos leading the charge for Australia.
And it was a bright start for the Socceroos as Volpato nearly scored in the fifth minute with a shot that kissed the crossbar. A minute later, Volpato again came close with a deft flick that was cleared by the Egyptian defence.
But the Egyptians pulled ahead in the 13th minute when Emam Ashour headed home a perfectly weighted cross from Karim Hafez after a momentary defensive lapse. Australia wrestled back control after the first hydration break, evening up possession and asking questions of the Egyptian defence.
Aziz Behich forced Pharaohs keeper Mostafa Shobeir into a save just before halftime after the Egyptian backline failed to effectively clear a long throw-in. Bos went off at halftime after a heavy tackle from Rami Rabia where he suffered an apparent left knee injury.
Popovic said at full-time he was surprised the challenge did not even warrant a yellow card, with the Feyenoord defender to undergo scans in the coming days. Australia however, rallied and deservedly equalised when Egypt's Mohamed Hany headed an Aiden O'Neill free kick into his own net.
It was 1-1 after extra time, but the penalty shootout was where the Socceroos made their biggest mistake. Coach Tony Popovic defended his decision to have 18-year-old Lucas Herrington take a penalty, saying he had shown he could handle the pressure in Australia's crucial game against Paraguay.
Herrington's later effort hit the post as Australia lost their first World Cup shootout 4-2. Popovic also defended his surprise decision to bring on goalkeeper Maty Ryan for the spot-kicks, insisting it played no part in Australia's elimination. Ryan, who had not played a minute at this tournament, came on in the final moments of extra time after Patrick Beach pulled off a miraculous, reflex save.
The loss means Australia has yet to win a knockout stage match at the World Cup in three attempts. The reaction from Australian pundits and former players was scathing, with former goalkeeper Mark Bosnich telling Stan Sport's Extra Time he was 'astounded' by the coach's decision.
Ex-Socceroo Robbie Slater went further, saying it was a 'big mistake' that would 'define Popovic's coaching career'. Slater also criticised Popovic's decision to have someone as young as Herrington take a penalty.
Popovic defended his decision to have Herrington take a penalty, saying 'he has played the last two games as an 18-year-old, so if I trust him to play in a game that we needed to get a result, in a game that elimination was on the line, what's the difference with a penalty?'. The match marked the first time Popovic had not tinkered with the Socceroos starting XI in his 22 games in charge. It almost paid dividends, but the Socceroos ultimately fell short.
Australia's campaign has been marked by surprise selections, including the inclusion of Volpato who has been a standout in the tournament. The team's ability to push for penalties and extra time has also been impressive, but ultimately it was not enough to secure a win.