Egypt are on the verge of advancing to the World Cup quarter-finals after their win over New Zealand – but Iran can follow with a win on Saturday.
Egypt are all but through to the knockout stages after the win over New Zealand. For Iran, they need to pick up three points in Seattle if they are to stay in the race for promotion – which would be a big surprise in a group that also includes Belgium.
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The goal for Egypt is one point that will secure group victory – and thus the opportunity to stay in Seattle for any upcoming matches as well. It would have been a huge boost for Hossam Hassan, who described the atmosphere in Vancouver during the win against New Zealand as “like at Cairo Stadium”.
Iran has had to overcome several obstacles to get this far – and deserves great praise for allowing the war with co-host US and the associated problems to distract them from the task at hand.
Amir Ghalenoei’s team has faced logistical challenges throughout the championship – the last two games have both been played in Los Angeles. Iran moved its training base from the United States to Mexico, but a proposal to move the fighting south was rejected.
In addition to having to travel internationally to every match, Iran has been ordered by the US authorities to leave the country on the day of the matches – and arrive within 24 hours before kick-off.
Iran complained to FIFA about the travel restrictions, and Ghalenoei described the team as the “most oppressed” in the World Cup. US Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday that Iran would be allowed to travel to Seattle 48 hours before the group match in the Pacific Northwest.
But travel plans still seem to have been disrupted. The Iranian Football Federation published a statement titled: “Harassment of Taremi and Alhoei at the airport again – Iran’s national team delayed”.
The statement reads:
“While Iran’s national team travels to the United States for the third time, the team has once again been delayed at the airport due to problems caused by the US authorities. The members of Iran’s national team arrived at the airport earlier today for their trip to the match against Egypt, but as on previous occasions, interference from the host nation – involving Saeid Alhoei and Mehdi Taremi – has caused the team to be delayed. The rest of the squad is now waiting for their coach and teammate to join them before leaving for Seattle and the game against Egypt.”
Team news for Egypt vs Iran
Hassan is expected to keep changes to a minimum, but could be forced into two adjustments – Hamdy Fathy and Hossam Abdelmaguid are both injured after the game against New Zealand.
Iran has no recent injuries, but Roozbeh Cheshmi is still out.
Predicted line-ups
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shobeir – Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh – Attia, Lasheen – Salah, Ashour, Ziko – Marmoush
Iran (4-4-2): Beiranvand – Rezaeian, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Hajsafi – Kanaani – Mohebi, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Jahanbakhsh – Taremi
Key figures for Egypt vs Iran
- Egypt have not progressed from the group stage of a World Cup since 1990.
- Iran are unbeaten in their last five matches.
- Egypt have lost one of their last six games.
Prediction for Egypt vs. Iran
A draw will probably not be enough for Iran. They have to attack – and that can open up space for players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush in the backroom.
Prediction: Egypt 2-1 Iran
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