New Zealand will aim to maintain their unbeaten World Cup finals record by claiming their first win in tournament history when they face Egypt.
Darren Bazeley’s men were twice pegged back in their opening game with Iran and left to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Having drawn all three of their games in suffering a group-stage exit in their only previous appearance at the finals in 2010, New Zealand have seen every one of their World Cup matches end level.
Given they are the lowest-ranked nation at the tournament, the draw with Iran represented an impressive result for New Zealand, albeit one aided by some very questionable defending.
The odds are against them going one better against Egypt, who held Belgium to a 1-1 draw in their first Group G game.
Like New Zealand, Egypt are still waiting for their first World Cup win in what is their fourth appearance at the finals.
Still, the draw with Belgium already represents a huge improvement on their previous showing in 2018, when Egypt lost all three group games.
Having teed up Emam Ashour’s rasping strike against Belgium, Mohamed Salah will be eyeing his third World Cup goal after scoring twice eight years ago.
And, with the defensive failings New Zealand displayed against Iran, this clash in Vancouver may represent the ideal opportunity for Salah and Egypt to finally break their World Cup duck.
Table of Contents
Team news for New Zealand v Egypt
Neither side has any fresh injury worries following their respective opening games.
Predicted line-ups for New Zealand v Egypt
New Zealand: Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood
Egypt: Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Fathy, Fatouh; Attia, Lasheen; Salah, Ashour, Ziko; Marmoush
Where to watch New Zealand v Egypt: TV and online streams
New Zealand v Egypt kicks off at 2:00am UK time on Monday. It will be broadcast on ITV1 and STV. It will be available to stream via ITVX and the STV Player. Sky subscribers can also stream the game via Sky Go.
Stats for New Zealand v Egypt
- Egypt have won all three of their previous meetings with New Zealand.
- This will be New Zealand’s first meeting with African opposition at a World Cup.
- Just one of New Zealand’s four World Cup draws has ended goalless.
- Egypt have kept only one clean sheet in seven World Cup games.
- Only Honduras (nine) have played more World Cup games without winning.
Prediction for New Zealand v Egypt
Egypt were impressive for long periods against Belgium but could not sustain the performance for a full 90 minutes. They are more likely to do so against New Zealand.
Prediction: Egypt 2-0 New Zealand
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