Australia face Egypt in World Cup last-16 showdown with Salah's fitness a major question mark

Australia's journey to the World Cup last 16 has been nothing short of remarkable. Cast as underdogs in Group D alongside co-hosts the United States, Turkey, and a Paraguay side that would go on to eliminate Germany, the Socceroos have exceeded expectations in spectacular fashion.

An opening 2-0 demolition of Turkey set the tone for their campaign. Though they stumbled to defeat against the Americans, a goalless stalemate with Paraguay proved sufficient to secure runners-up spot and a place in the knockout rounds.

Egypt, meanwhile, have navigated a more straightforward path through Group G. The North Africans remain undefeated throughout their group campaign, drawing 1-1 with Belgium, recovering from a goal down to thrash New Zealand 3-1, and sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Iran. Despite matching Belgium's points tally, they finished second due to inferior goal difference.

Match Details

The two nations meet on Friday, July 3 at Dallas Stadium, with kick-off at 7pm BST (1pm local). BBC One will broadcast the fixture from 6.30pm, whilst BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT offer commentary coverage.

Australia's Injury Concerns

Manager Tony Popovic faces a depleted squad for the knockout phase. Right-back Jacob Italiano and winger Mat Leckie both suffered injuries during training ahead of the Paraguay fixture and have been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, leaving the Socceroos with just 24 players to select from.

Watford's Nestory Irankunda, who netted in the opening victory over Turkey, has become a fan favourite at just 20 years old. Popovic must weigh whether to deploy the youngster from the start or utilise him as an impact substitute.

Egypt's Salah Conundrum

Egypt's preparation is dominated by concerns surrounding Mohamed Salah's fitness. The Liverpool winger was withdrawn after 57 minutes of the Iran encounter and subsequently pictured on the bench with ice applied to his left hamstring. He is undergoing intensive rehabilitation in a bid to be available for selection.

The injury situation extends beyond Salah. Left-back Ahmed Fatouh faces an uphill battle to recover from a hamstring tear, whilst defender Mohamed Abdelmonem will be assessed following severe ankle bruising against Iran. Centre-back Hossam Abdelmaguid is expected to return after missing the Iran match due to concussion protocols, and Hamdy Fathy has returned to training following a groin injury.

Midfielder Mohanad Lasheen will miss out through suspension after accumulating two yellow cards during the group stage.

Betting and Prediction

Egypt are slight favourites at 7/5 to win in 90 minutes, with Australia at 11/5 and a draw priced at 9/4. When extra time and penalties are factored in, Egypt's odds shorten to 8/11 to progress, compared to 6/5 for Australia.

The winner faces either Argentina or Cape Verde in the quarter-finals.

Historically, both sides arrive as underdogs in knockout football. Australia have never won a World Cup knockout tie, whilst Egypt have never previously reached this stage. Yet the Pharaohs possess attacking firepower beyond Salah—Omar Marmoush, Trezeguet, and Ziko all provide genuine threat.

Australia's campaign has lacked genuine sparkle outside their Turkish ambush. Egypt should edge this contest, though Salah's absence would represent a significant blow to their chances. Expect a tight affair that could hinge on fine margins.