Preview: Outsiders Australia and Egypt meet in the Round of 32

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By Matt Smith

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Egypt recorded their first-ever World Cup victory in the group stages after beating New Zealand 3-1. Australia will be hoping to win a World Cup knockout game for the first time, so this is a huge encounter for both sides. 

They last went head-to-head back in November 2010, with Egypt emerging victorious with a 3-0 win.

Team news

Australia will be out without both Jacob Italiano and Mathew Leckie for their last 32 clash with Egypt, but they shouldn’t have any fresh injury concerns. Manager Tony Popovic could name an unchanged side from their last game against Paraguay.

The big bit of team news heading into this game is that Egypt’s superstar Mohamed Salah is a doubt. They are hopeful that he’ll be able to overcome a hamstring injury, but there are certainly no guarantees. 

Australia have struggled going forward

So far in the World Cup, Australia have scored just twice, with both of their goals coming against Turkey. They’ve created just one big chance throughout the whole tournament, the joint lowest in the competition. 

Australia managed to emerge through the group stage in second place, with their victory over Türkiye proving crucial. Their first-ever knock out victory will see them face either Argentina or Cape Verde. It’s set to be a huge occasion for the Socceroos. 

Egypt must tighten up defensively

Although Egypt’s defensive record doesn’t look too bad, considering they’ve conceded just 3 goals in 3 games, there’s no doubt they need to tighten up at the back. They’ve conceded 4.6 xG throughout the tournament, suggesting that they’ve been fortunate not to have conceded more goals. 

Thankfully for them, Australia have struggled in terms of creating chances, so it’s not a game that screams goal fest. Egypt will look to hold firm defensively while trying to create chances for Salah if he’s available. 

Egypt fans praying for Salah

It’s difficult to see Egypt making it into the next round if former Liverpool forward Salah is unavailable for this one. Although the 34-year-old hasn’t lit up the World Cup like we’ve seen him do in domestic football, he’s certainly been a key player for the Egyptians.

Salah has provided three goals and assists in three games so far, playing a crucial role in particular against New Zealand in their important victory. Egyptian fans around the world will be praying that Salah is available to face Australia. With 61 goals in 87 appearances, he is their superstar. 

Prediction

As mentioned, it’s difficult to see this game having too many goals. A lot could depend on the fitness of Salah, but if the experienced forward is fit, we’re going for a 1-0 victory to Egypt. 

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(Cover image from IMAGO)

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