Fifa World Cup: history for Egypt keeper but Pharaohs fall to Saudi Arabia in group A dead rubber

The 45-year-old goalkeeper flew to his right to make a spectacular stop in the 39th minute from Fahad Al Muwallad’s spot-kick at the Volgograd Arena.

“I’m really so happy,” he said after the match. “I’m the happiest person in the world to set this record.”

But El Hadary’s joy was tempered after Saudi Arabia fought back from Mohamed Salah’s superb opening goal to claim a consolation win.

Both Saudi goals came deep into stoppage time in both halves, with Salem Al-Dawsari securing their first World Cup victory since a run to the last-16 in 1994 with the last kick of the match.

“I can thank my teammates because they are the power that got me to the record but I’m really so sad on the other hand with the result,” El Hadary added.

Egypt still have not recorded a World Cup finals win in three appearances.

El Hadary was 45 years and 161 days old when he took to the field as the two already-eliminated teams in Group A played only for pride.