The goal is simple for Australia and Egypt in their last-32 clash at the
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Putting his faith in youth has paid off for Tony Popovic at this tournament. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach, 22, pulled off a string of excellent saves in the 2-0 win over Turkey, while 20-year-old Watford forward Nestory Irankunda scored a sumptuous goal in the same game. He should start again.
Though well beaten by the USA, the Socceroos proved resolute in defence in the goalless draw with Paraguay that sealed progress. On World Cup debut, becoming his country’s youngest player in tournament history, 18-year-old centre-back Lucas Herrington impressed and should keep his place in the back three.
Another player that could prove key is left-wing-back Jordan Bos, whose pace and quality delivery could cause all sorts of issues.
Egypt come into this game with a string of injuries in defence. Centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem was forced off after only 14 minutes against Iran, while left-back Ahmed Fatouh is another major doubt.
Hamdy Fathy and Hossam Abdelmaguid are also dealing with fitness issues, which leaves manager Hassan with some major decisions to make. He’ll hope for more positive news about Salah, who is just one goal away from matching his national-record 69 Egypt goals, and playing in a more central position than usual.
Should Salah lose his fitness race, then much of the focus will turn to Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, dropped against Iran, and Barcelona youngster Hamza Abdelkarim. The latter may only be 18 but his quality is evident. Could this be the perfect stage for him to make his name?
FourFourTwo’s prediction
Australia 1-2 Egypt
FourFourTwo predicts Egypt edging this one, but they may well need extra-time to do so.
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