Match Previews

Egypt effectively knocked out after Russia loss. No wins in their last seven and only three goals. Gaber set to miss out.

Egypt’s World Cup aspirations were effectively ended last Tuesday as they crashed to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of hosts Russia in St Petersburg. While they offered a decent proportion of possession, they did not have the same cutting edge as their hosts.

Since sealing their place in the World Cup finals, Egypt’s form has been desperately poor and they have been especially bad since the turn of the year. They have lost five of their last seven internationals and have scored only three goals in the process.

In preparation for the World Cup, Egypt played Kuwait in a friendly match but were held to a somewhat embarrassing 1-1 draw. They are the only AFC opposition they have played in recent months.

Mohamed Salah notably made his first start since the Champions League against Russia and marked his World Cup final debut with a penalty that he converted. The Liverpool star will again have a role to play in this clash.

Egypt have reported no major injury issues ahead of this encounter, with the bumps that were picked up in the opening game, which was a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay, having been overcome.

Goalkeeper Essam El Hadary is liable to earn some game time to make him the World Cup’s oldest ever player.

Omar Gaber is poised to miss out injured. Ahmed Hegazy has returned to training after a muscle problem.

Salah is now up to 35 international goals, fourth all-time for Egypt, only three behind Mohamed Aboutrika. There have been reports of disharmony in the camp and suggestions he might quit the national team after this game.