The Socceroos will face one among world soccer’s greatest stars after Mohamed Salah’s Egypt was confirmed as Australia’s Spherical of 32 opponent following extraordinary late drama on the FIFA World Cup.
Tony Popovic’s aspect discovered its knockout destiny after a frantic end to Group G, the place the id of Australia’s opponent modified seven instances earlier than VAR dominated out an Iranian stoppage-time winner for offside by what commentators described as a ‘little toe’.
The choice saved Egypt in second place behind Belgium and arrange a blockbuster assembly with Australia in Arlington, Texas, subsequent Saturday.
Salah looms as the most important menace to Australia’s hopes of reaching the Spherical of 16, though there might be some concern over the Liverpool ahead’s health after he completed Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran on the bench with ice strapped to his hamstring.
Australia and Egypt have met solely twice beforehand, with the latest encounter ending in a 3-0 defeat for the Socceroos in Cairo in 2010.
The Socceroos progressed after ending second in Group D, having crushed Turkey 2-0, misplaced 2-0 to the USA and drawn 0-0 with Paraguay.
Liverpool star and Egypt captain Mo Salah lie in look ahead to the Socceroos within the knockout spherical of the World Cup
Australia needed to look ahead to outcomes to come back in on Saturday to study their World Cup opponent
If the Socceroos can get previous Egypt, a possible showdown towards Lionel Messi and his Argentina aspect awaits
Be part of the dialogue
Will Mo Salah¿s harm woes give the Socceroos an edge, or is Australia nonetheless the underdog?
Egypt additionally completed runners-up in Group G after drawing 1-1 with Belgium, beating New Zealand 3-1 and holding Iran to a 1-1 draw.
Australia might be with out Mathew Leckie and Jacob Italiano after each had been dominated out for the rest of the match by harm, whereas Egypt might be hoping Salah is match after his late harm concern.
Regardless of the problem of going through one of many recreation’s elite forwards, defender Aziz Behich stated Australia’s focus remained unchanged.
‘Clearly second trip of the group now, however the final one left a little bit of a bitter style in my mouth,’ Behich stated.
‘It is nonetheless acquired that burning fireplace within the stomach. We have all the time stated we need to do one thing particular with this group and why cannot it’s us?
‘And I feel we have an ideal alternative. We have created this chance from our onerous work to be right here – it wasn’t given to us.
‘Every thing’s in our fingers main into this recreation. So (I am) stuffed with confidence that … this group can do one thing particular this marketing campaign.’
Coach Tony Popovic welcomed the prolonged break earlier than the Spherical of 32 encounter.
‘We have got eight days to get well, which helps our youthful gamers to recover from this euphoria of the win – after which we have to work onerous, and we’re an opportunity,’ the Socceroos coach stated.
Ought to Australia defeat Egypt, a possible Spherical of 16 assembly with Lionel Messi’s Argentina awaits, offered the defending world champions overcome shock bundle Cape Verde.
