Predicted line-up, stats and where to watch as Messi and Salah rise to the top
Argentina has a chance to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Cup on Tuesday when they face Egypt in Atlanta.
The game will see two of the greatest players of their generation face off with Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah leading their respective teams’ challenges.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has enjoyed his best campaign so far, scoring seven times to join Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland as the top scorer.
Salah has one goal and two assists but he is still the promoter of the Egyptian team whose victory over Australia in the round of 32 was the country’s first in the World Cup playoffs. Salah stopped Panenka in the final 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 so amazing. I’m always proud to wear the shirt, nothing makes me prouder than that. Today was the best day of my life, I’m making history. I tried to give my best and play when I’m injured because this is what I’m doing for the country. I’m proud of the boys.
“I always tell the boys: just enjoy the moment. We won’t take it for granted. I don’t know how many times we’ve gone into the World Cup and never got out of the group stage and now we’re through to the next round. It’s time to enjoy.”
It was a tough end to a game where Egypt was the better team.
The same can be said for Argentina, who were knocked out by Cape Verde before booking their place in the round of 16.
The defending champions were expected to get past the small Atlantic island but found it more difficult than expected. They ended up winning 3-2 thanks to their goal in extra time.
“I’m not sure it was a day to wake up, but it helps you understand that there are no easy games and that in the end every game is difficult and you have to give 100 percent,” said Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
Argentina v Egypt team news
The manager of Argentina, Lionel Scaloni, may choose to strengthen the field given Argentina’s problems last week and choose Leandro Paredes ahead of Thiago Almada. Julian Alvarez is fully fit after recovering from an ankle problem and will replace Lautaro Martinez.
Left back Karim Hafez is expected to be fit despite being out with Australia but Ahmed Fatouh and Mohamed Abdelmonem are very doubtful. Midfielder Mohanad Lasheen is available after serving a one-match suspension.
Argentina v Egypt prediction
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 streaming online
Argentina vs Egypt kicks off tomorrow at 5pm UK time. You can watch it on ITV1 and broadcast on ITVX.
Argentina v Egypt stats
- Argentina have won 10 of their last 12 World Cup games that have gone over 90 minutes
- Argentina have won their last 11 matches
- Egypt have lost one of their last eight matches
- Egypt have not kept a clean sheet in all of their last five matches
