Dallas Stadium hosts its sixth World Cup match on Friday, and this one comes with storylines - starting with the biggest question in the building: is Mohamed Salah actually playing today?
Egypt’s captain was forced off in their Group Stage draw with Iran with a hamstring issue and is facing a late fitness assessment before kickoff. That’s not exactly the kind of pre-match news you want when your best player by a considerable margin is also the same guy your attack runs through.
Egypt arrives having made history already, advancing to the Knockout Round for the first time. Australia isn’t a slouch in this tournament, though. The Socceroos have never won a Knockout Round match at the World Cup, falling short in two previous trips.
One will continue to write some new history today. Here’s what you need to know.
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Lineups
Three Things to Watch
Salah Plays, Limps, or Watches: All Three Change This Game Completely
There is no version of this match preview that doesn’t start here. Even with his fitness in doubt, Salah remains Egypt’s most dangerous player and his leadership has been crucial during their group-stage run. He starts today, so keep a watch on Australia’s defensive block, which is well organized, it will smell blood and press higher than they normally would if Salah starts to show some wear.
Irankunda Is Australia’s Chaos Agent
At just 20 years old, Nestory Irankunda is a dynamic x-factor for the Australian attack. He adds a blend of pace, technique and directness that forces opposing defenses to retreat. He scored a beauty against Turkey in the opener and has been one of the best attacking players for Australia in this tournament. Don’t be shocked if Australia parks the bus at times with the hopes of springing him free on a counter attack along the wings.
Australia’s Defensive Model Gets Its Toughest Test Yet
Australia’s defense showed that they can hang with some top talent in this tournament. But they also showed they can give up chances when teams press them like the United States did in their loss up in Seattle. Egypt was at their best in the group stage when they remained disciplined defensively and had dangerous attacking transitions. If they give up a turnover in the midfield, this is where it could be interesting as Australia have been tough to break down in this tournament.
The Vibe Check
Out of the six games at Dallas Stadium, the vibes for this game are drastically different than the others before it. Not to say the crowd isn’t loud today, both the Socceroos and Egyptian fans are pumped to be in this one. If anything, this could be one of the more underrated matches of the entire tournament here in Dallas.
The Call
Of all the games I’ve watch so far at the World Cup here in Dallas, this is the one I’ve most split on with the final result. I think Egypt is probably the better team, but something tells me the Aussies find a way here, and win 2-1.
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