Australia
History could repeat itself for the Socceroos, who made it to the Round of 16 four years ago, when they faced future world champions Argentina. Should they beat Egypt on Friday, they could find themselves against the same opponent, as long as the defending champions beat Cape Verde.
Overall, Australia have reached the Round of 16 twice before, and in both cases, they were tasked with beating the team that later won the whole tournament.
The Socceroos showed us a little bit of everything during the group stage. We were mostly impressed by their defensive strengths, but that surprising win over Turkey surely stands out too.
Injuries & Team News
Tony Popovic made a huge call before their opener against Turkiye with captain Mat Ryan dropped in favour of the eventual star of that game, Patrick Beach. Jackson Irvine was also left out before returning to the side against Paraguay.
The goal scorers from that game against the Turks, Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, also found themselves then dropped for the game with the USA before being reinstated into the side and so predicting a Popovic eleven is a tough job.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-0 Paraguay | W L D W L D |
Predicted Line-Up
Australia possible starting lineup:
Beach; Circati, Souttar, Herrington; Bos, O’Neill, Irvine, Behich; Volpato, Irankunda, Metcalfe
Egypt
The Pharaohs have the star quality with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush in attack and that duo took Egypt to draws against Belgium and Iran and a victory over New Zealand in the group stage.
New Zealand can be considered as one of the weakest nations competing in North America and it was no surprise that Hossam Hassan’s men cruised past the Kiwis with a 3-1 success.
The Pharaohs hit 14 efforts on goal, seven corners and recorded 46 per cent possession in their opening World Cup contest against a strong Belgium side and that effort rates as superior form to the victory over the All Whites.
Injuries & Team News
Mohamed Salah has got himself a goal at the FIFA World Cup but his fellow star in attack, Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, has struggled and is at risk of losing his place for this Round of 32 clash. Salah has overcome a slight hamstring issue.
Former Aston Villa winger Trezeguet came off the bench to score against New Zealand and then started up front against IR Iran and so that may be the case here. Mohamed Abdelmonem, meanwhile, was forced off through injury against the Iranians after deputising for unavailable fellow defenders Hossam Abdelmaguid and Hamdi Fathy.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 3-1 vs New Zealand | D W W L W W |
Predicted Line-Up
Egypt possible starting lineup:
Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hafez; Ateya, Saber; Ziko, Salah, Ashour; Marmoush
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Win | 27/10 – (3.70) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 19/10 – (2.90) | Dream Vegas |
| Egypt Win | 29/20 – (2.45) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Australia 1-2 Egypt
Australia have had a successful world cup having got out of the group but Egypt are a very good side and the North Africans will end the Socceroos campaign here in Texas.