Australia qualified for another World Cup with relative confidence. In ten qualifying matches, they collected nineteen points, finishing behind Japan but, most importantly, confidently surpassing Saudi Arabia in the race for second place in their group. At the tournament, they started with a solid 2-0 win over Turkey. That victory proved crucial, and even after a loss to the USA, a playoff berth was guaranteed even with draws—both against Paraguay and the USA. The result was a 0-0 draw in each.
Egypt won their qualifying group with 26 points from ten matches. They later reached the semifinals of the AFCON. At the World Cup, Salah and company made history: by defeating New Zealand in the second round, they not only claimed their first-ever win at this level—with the 1-1 draw against Belgium, a place in the playoffs was guaranteed for the first time as well. They managed to avoid defeat against Iran too, finishing 1-1.
Popovich’s side scores about one goal per game, conceding slightly more, at 1.1. Salah and his teammates average 1.4 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per game.
Previous Matches: Australia vs Egypt
The only previous encounter was a friendly in 2010, where Egypt won convincingly, 3-0.
Egypt are the favorites again, but for both teams, the result is paramount. Therefore, expect “total under 2.0 goals” (odds – 1.83).
Australia vs Egypt: Key Stats and Trends
Australia have won one out of their last five matches
30% of Australia’s matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 2.1
Egypt have lost only one of their last nine matches in regular time
50% of Egypt’s matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 2.2
Australia vs Egypt: Probable Starting Line-ups
Australia play a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable line-up): Bich – Herrington, Souttar, Chirkati – Behich, Irvine, O’Neill, Bos – Metcalfe, Volpato – Irankunda
Egypt play a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable line-up): Shubeir – El-Fotou, Abdelmonem, Rabia, Hany – Saber, Lashin – Trezeguet, Salah, Ashour – Zizo.
