The wait is over for the first match of the World Cup’s final Round of 32 window. Egypt and Australia have both dropped their starting lineups for Friday’s opener, and the big news is that Mohamed Salah is healthy enough to start.
Egypt’s captain and best player has been dealing with a minor knock that had fans holding their breath all week. But the team sheet confirms what the warmups hinted at. Salah leads the line, which means Egypt is going full throttle from the jump.
Australia, meanwhile, is rolling with the same XI that drew with Paraguay in their last group match. No surprises there. Coach Graham Arnold is sticking with what worked, even if that draw was more nerve-racking than dominant. The Socceroos held possession well but couldn’t find the killer pass. They’re hoping Friday changes that.
How These Teams Got Here
Egypt came through qualifying on the back of a stingy defense and Salah’s moments of brilliance. They didn’t blow anyone away but they didn’t have to. They got the job done. Australia took a bumpier road, scraping through on goal difference after that Paraguay tie left them in a three-way knot at the top of their group.
Friday’s match is basically a knockout game in disguise. Win and you’re through to the round of 16 with momentum. Lose and you’re packing for home. No room for error.
The other two fixtures today involve teams that have already punched their tickets, so all eyes are on this one for the drama. Who advances? Hard to call. Egypt has the star power. Australia has the chemistry from playing together for years. It could go either way.
Kickoff is set for later today. We’ll have live updates as the action unfolds.
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