Argentina have the chance to move into the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday when they take on Egypt in Atlanta.
The game will see two of the greatest players of their generation come face to face with Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah spearheading their respective teams’ challenges.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has enjoyed the better tournament so far, scoring seven times to sit alongside Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland as top scorer.
Salah has one goal and two assists but remains the inspiration for an Egypt side whose win over Australia in the round of 32 was the country’s first in a World Cup knockout game. Salah netted a Panenka in the shoot-out as the Pharaohs won 4-2 after a 1-1 draw.
The victory was followed by emotional scenes with Salah in tears as he said: “My feeling is it’s so incredible. I always feel proud to wear the shirt, nothing makes me more proud than that. Today was one of the best days of my life, making history. I tried to give my best and play when I’m hurt because this is what I do for the country. I’m proud of the boys.
“I always tell the boys: just enjoy the moment. We can’t take it for granted. I don’t know how many times we’ve qualified for the World Cup and never before have we qualified from the group stage and now we’ve qualified for the next round. It’s a moment to enjoy.”
It was a fraught ending to a game in which Egypt were the better side.
And the same can be said for Argentina, who were made to sweat by Cape Verde before booking their place in the round of 16.
The defending champions were expected to cruise past the tiny Atlantic island but found the going much tougher than expected. They eventually won it 3-2 thanks to an own goal in extra-time.
“I am not sure it was a wake-up call, but it helps you understand that there are no easy games and that in the end all games are difficult and you have to give one hundred percent,” said Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
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Team news for Argentina v Egypt
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni may opt to solidify the midfield given Argentina’s problems last time out and select Leandro Paredes ahead of Thiago Almada. Julian Alvarez is fully fit after recovering from an ankle problem and is set to replace Lautaro Martinez.
Left-back Karim Hafez is expected to be fit despite coming off against Australia but Ahmed Fatouh and Mohamed Abdelmonem are major doubts. Midfielder Mohanad Lasheen is available after serving a one-game suspension.
Predicted line-ups for Argentina v Egypt
Argentina: Martínez; Molina, Romero, Martínez, Medina; De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister, Paredes; Messi, Alvarez
Egypt: Shobeir; Hany, Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Hafez; Hamdy Fathy, Marwan Attia; Zico, Emam Ashour, Salah; Marmoush
Where to watch Argentina v Egypt: TV and online streams
Argentina versus Egypt kicks off tomorrow at 5pm UK time. You can watch it on ITV1 and stream via ITVX.
Stats for Argentina v Egypt
- Argentina have won 10 of their last 12 World Cup matches that have gone beyond 90 minutes
- Argentina have won their last 11 games
- Egypt have lost one of their last eight games
- Egypt have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last five games
Prediction for Argentina v Egypt
Yes, Argentina were decidedly average against Cape Verde but they still got over the line. Egypt should provide a stern test but Lionel Scaloni’s men just seem to find a way.
We fancy them to get the job done but don’t expect fireworks.
Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Egypt
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