Tom Wildie

Socceroos veteran Jackson Irvine says feeling the pain of Australia's penalty shootout defeat to Egypt is an important part of getting better.

The Socceroos exited the World Cup in the cruellest possible manner, on penalties to Egypt. But the roots of the defeat could be found in the 120 minutes of play, which clearly showed where Australia must improve. 

The "passionate" Egypt captain trains with the squad but his coach says he won't be rushed into the team to face Australia if he's not fit.

In a World Cup in which so much history has already been made, Australia and Egypt are on the cusp of creating their own when they meet in the round of 32 in Dallas tomorrow.

Now an assistant coach for the Socceroos, and with a penalty shootout a possibility when Australia face Egypt in the round of 32, Mile Jedinak knows what it takes to seize the moment.

The Socceroos know their knockout game against Egypt could come down to penalties, but they aren't revealing anything about their strategies.

The Socceroos' World Cup adventure will either end or become historic when they face Egypt on Friday.

Cristian Volpato was rejected by two Australian soccer academies. His family dropped everything to go for a trial in Italy. That was the making of Australia's next star.

Matildas striker Sam Kerr has returned to the United States following her successful stint at London giants, Chelsea.

Egypt is sweating on the fitness of star forward Mohamed Salah, but the Socceroos won't be complacent as they prepare for just the third FIFA World Cup knockout encounter in the team's history.