Socceroos eye World Cup history against Egypt

By Anna Harrington
(L-R) Brett Holman and Ahmed Fathi.
The Socceroos meet Egypt for the first time since 2010, but the stakes are much higher this time. -AP

AUSTRALIA V EGYPT:

Saturday 4 July, 4am AEST

Live world ranking: Australia 28, Egypt 26

Coaches: Australia: Tony Popovic, Paraguay: Hossam Hassan

Highest ranking: Australia 14 (2009), Egypt 9 (2010)

Lowest ranking: Australia 102 (2014), Egypt 75 (2013)

Head-to-head: Played 5: Australia 1 win (on penalties), 0 draws, 1 loss

Best World Cup finish: Australia: R16 (2016, 2022), Egypt R32* (2026)

Population: Australia: 28 million, Egypt: 120 million

WHAT'S ON THE LINE:

* Australia win - A maiden knockout victory would deliver progress to round of 16 match in Atlanta against the winner of Argentina and Cape Verde

Past meetings:

19/06/1987 - 0-0 draw, Australia 4-3 on penalties (President's Cup semi-final, Seoul, South Korea)

17/11/2010 - Egypt 3-0 (friendly, Cairo, Egypt)

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

* Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

All week there have been question marks over Salah's fitness due to a left hamstring strain. But if fit, the Egypt captain and former Liverpool star is a mesmerising, show-stopping goalscorer.

* Omar Marmoush

Salah's attacking partner in crime is a gun in his own right at Manchester City. Marmoush is explosive, makes intelligent runs and crucially is a superb finisher.

* Jordan Bos (Australia)

The left wing-back was switched to the right side with devastating effect against Paraguay. Bos has speed and guile and his ability to glide past defenders, ride challenges then cut onto his wicked left foot sets him apart.

* Cristian Volpato (Australia)

The tricky left-footed attacker combined beautifully with Bos on the right and looked dangerous against Paraguay. As he gets used to his teammates, Volpato should keep getting better.