Argentina have the chance to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday night when they face Egypt in Atlanta. At one end is Lionel Messi – at the other Mohamed Salah. Two of the greatest players of their generation, face to face.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has been the tournament’s big profile so far – with seven goals, on a par with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland in the battle for the Golden Boot.
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Salah has one goal and two assists, but remains the inspiration for an Egyptian side that made history when they beat Australia in the round of 32 – Egypt’s first ever win in a World Cup play-off match. Salah scored a Panenka in the penalty shootout as the Pharaohs won 4-2 after a 1-1 draw.
After the game, Salah broke down in tears:
“My feeling is that this is absolutely unbelievable. I’m always proud to wear this shirt – nothing makes me prouder than that. Today was one of the best days of my life – I made history. I tried to give my best, even when I was injured, because that’s what I do for the country. I’m proud of the guys.
“I always tell them: just enjoy the moment. We can’t take it for granted. We have never qualified from the group stage before, and now we have progressed to the next round. This is a moment to enjoy.
Argentina had to struggle against Cape Verde
Argentina, on the other hand, had to sweat far more than expected against Cape Verde in the round of 32. The reigning champions were expected to cruise past the island nation – but had to go all the way to extra time and an own goal to win 3-2.
“I’m not sure if it was a wake-up call, but it helps you understand that there are no easy games – every game is difficult and you have to give 100 percent,” Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said.
Team news
Argentina: Lionel Scaloni could choose to strengthen his midfield with Leandro Paredes ahead of Thiago Almada. Julián Álvarez is fully recovered from an ankle injury and is expected to start ahead of Lautaro Martínez.
Egypt: Left-back Karim Hafez is expected to be ready despite having to leave the field against Australia. Ahmed Fatouh and Mohamed Abdelmonem, on the other hand, are unsure. Midfielder Mohanad Lasheen is available after serving a one-match suspension.
Probable starting line-ups
Argentina (XI): E. Martínez – Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Medina – De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister, Paredes – Messi, Álvarez
Egypt (XI): Shobeir – Hany, Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Hafez – Hamdy Fathy, Marwan Attia – Zico, Emam Ashour, Salah – Marmoush
Kick-off: Tuesday 7 July at 17:00 BST
Key figures
- Argentina have won 10 of their last 12 World Cup matches that have lasted over 90 minutes
- Argentina have won 11 straight matches
- Egypt have lost only one of their last eight games
- Egypt have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last five matches
Our Prediction
Yes, Argentina were far from convincing against Cape Verde – but they still got over the line. Egypt will give them a hard test, but Lionel Scaloni and his men seem to be finding a solution – although there are unlikely to be fireworks.
Divination: Argentina 2–1 Egypt
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