New Zealand and Egypt are both chasing their first-ever World Cup win in this Group G clash.
New Zealand has never won a World Cup match. The same applies to Egypt. When they meet in Vancouver, it’s about more than three points – it’s about history.
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New Zealand opened the tournament with a 2-2 draw against Iran, and although they are the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, a draw was an impressive result – even if it came with the help of some very questionable defensive play.
Now Darren Bazeley’s men hope to take a step further and secure their first ever victory in a World Cup context. It’s no easy task against Egypt, who held Belgium to a 1-1 draw in their opening match – a result that is already a huge improvement on 2018, when they lost all three group games.
For Egypt, this is about finally untying the knot. This is their fourth World Cup participation, and the victory is still a long way off. But with Mohamed Salah in great form – he set up Emam Ashour’s dream strike against Belgium – they have a weapon that can decide everything.
Team news: Fresh squads on both sides
Neither New Zealand nor Egypt have injuries to report after the opening matches. Both teams will field a full crew.
Predicted starting line-ups
New Zealand (4-3-3):
Crocombe – Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace – Bell, Stamenic – McCowatt, Singh, Just – Wood
Egypt (4-3-3):
Shobeir – Hany, Ibrahim, Fathy, Fatouh – Attia, Lasheen – Salah, Ashour, Ziko – Marmoush
Key figures before the match
- Egypt have won all three previous meetings with New Zealand.
- This will be New Zealand’s first meeting with African opposition in a World Cup.
- Only one of New Zealand’s four World Cup draws has ended 0-0.
- Egypt have only kept a clean sheet once in seven World Cup matches.
- Only Honduras (nine) have played more World Cup matches without a win than Egypt and New Zealand.
Our prediction: Egypt will finally take the plunge
Egypt were impressive over long periods against Belgium, but couldn’t keep up the level for the full 90 minutes. Against New Zealand, there is a good chance that they will be able to go all the way.
Prediction: Egypt 2-0 New Zealand
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