Match Preview: Australia vs. Egypt - Salah's hamstring meets the wall

Australia-Egypt is the small-font Round of 32 tie with a very real prize: one of these countries is about to win a men's World Cup knockout match for the first time. Kickoff is Friday, July 3 at Dallas Stadium, 1:00 p.m. local, 2:00 p.m. ET, 11:00 a.m. PT; the winner gets Argentina or Cabo Verde in Atlanta on July 7. 1

The match starts with Mohamed Salah's hamstring. Reuters reported he left the Iran draw early after producing one goal and two assists across Egypt's first two group games, yet Egypt still reached its first World Cup knockout stage. 2 ESPN later reported Salah doing rehab work, with Egypt also managing defensive injuries and a midfield suspension. 3

Australia's case is less glamorous and maybe more annoying. The Socceroos have two clean sheets, have already smothered Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz and Julio Enciso, and have not scored since Connor Metcalfe made it 2-0 against Türkiye. 3 That is the preview in one sentence: can Egypt make Australia chase, or can Australia make Salah sprint on command?

Verdict: if Salah starts sharp, Egypt have the better match-winner. If he starts compromised, Australia have the better game script.

Quote of the Day: "On the field there's no respect. It's eat or be eaten." - Jordan Bos. 3