New Zealand
New Zealand went 5-0 in qualifiers and won the 2024 OFC Nations Cup, but lost all but three of their 11 friendlies heading into the World Cup, with just one being a victory (1-0 over Ivory Coast). They drew 2-2 in their first match with Iran thanks largely to the play of Elijah Just. Just scored each of New Zealand’s two goals in the draw, including the first goal of the game just six minutes into the action. You know Egypt will be keying in on the talented attacker after such an impressive showing in his first career World Cup match.
Injuries & Team News
Heading into this crucial clash, New Zealand has a fully fit squad with no new injury concerns or suspensions following their opening game.
Winger Elijah Just is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup after his impressive two-goal performance.
He will play an important role in attack alongside experienced striker and captain Chris Wood.
The only notable absentee remains midfielder Matthew Garbett, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a serious hamstring injury suffered before the competition began. He has been replaced in the squad by Logan Rogerson.
Head coach Darren Bazeley is likely to stick with a similar lineup to the one that performed well against Iran. The squad is confident and determined as they prepare for this important fixture in Vancouver.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-2 vs Iran | L L W L L D |
Predicted Line-Up
Possible New Zealand starting XI:
Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood
Egypt
Egypt will head into the New Zealand game with a sense of frustration having come so close to a very first world cup victoryonly to be denied late on by Romelu Lukaku.
Emam Ashour’s thunderous strike gave the Pharoas the lead after he was set up by Mohamed Salah, he gave Thibault Courtois no chance with his strike, they created other chances but could not find the second goal adnd it came back to bite them.
Having come so close to that elusive win surely now is the time, facing a New Zealad side well below them in the FIFA World Rankings.
Injuries & Team News
The Pharaohs also have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of this match. Manager Hossam Hassan addressed recent speculation about team issues after substituting Mohamed Salah in the previous game.
Salah is set to return to the starting lineup in his usual attacking role on the wing. Young Barcelona B forward Hamza Abdelkarim is expected to feature from the bench after making a strong impression in the first match.
In goal, Mostafa Shobeir is likely to keep his place ahead of experienced goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. Egypt has a fully available squad, giving Hassan flexibility to make tactical adjustments during the game.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-1 vs Belgium | L W D W L D |
Predicted Line-Up
Egypt starting XI:
Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Fathy, Fatouh; Attia, Lasheen; Salah, Ashour, Ziko; Marmoush
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Win | 9/2 – (5.50) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 10/3 – (4.33) | Dream Vegas |
| Egypt Win | 8/15 – (1.53) | 247Bet |
Prediction
New Zealand 1-2 Egypt
New Zealand were certainly entertaining in their opening match against Iran but they might struggle with the step up in quality when facing the North Africans who were very impressive against Belgium.