Preview New Zealand - Egypt: race for first World Cup win
Mohamed Salah before Egypt's Group G match against Belgium at Seattle Stadium (Photo by Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

A key match takes place at BC Place in Vancouver as New Zealand and Egypt face off in Group G, with both teams aiming for their first-ever World Cup victory.

Neither side managed to hold onto a lead in their opening game, but both impressed. New Zealand drew 2-2 with Iran in an exciting match, while Egypt earned a strong 1-1 draw against Belgium.

With a place in the knockout stage still up for grabs, a win could be crucial. Another draw would leave both teams needing results in their final group game, making Sunday's match especially important.

New Zealand showed their attacking threat against Iran, with Elijah Just scoring twice and Chris Wood setting up both goals. However, they were unable to protect their lead and had to settle for a point.

Egypt also let a lead slip against Belgium. Emam Ashour scored after good work from Mohamed Salah, but Egypt missed chances to extend their advantage and eventually drew the match. Even so, their performance showed they have a strong chance of advancing from Group G.

Elijah Just celebrates scoring with his New Zealand teammates (Photo by Matt McNulty - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Elijah Just celebrates scoring with his New Zealand teammates (Photo by Matt McNulty - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Team News

New Zealand

New Zealand have no fresh injury concerns following their opening draw against Iran.

The All Whites were forced into one squad change before the tournament after Matthew Garbett was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Logan Rogerson was called up as his replacement and remains available for selection.

Chris Wood failed to find the net in the opener but still played a decisive role, registering assists for both of Elijah Just's goals. The striker is expected to lead the line once again.

Egypt

Egypt also emerged from their opening fixture without any new injury concerns, giving Hossam Hassan a full squad to choose from.

The Pharaohs were encouraged by the performances of Emam Ashour and Omar Marmoush against Belgium, while Mohamed Salah once again demonstrated his importance with an assist for Egypt's only goal.

Likely Lineups

New Zealand

Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenic; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood

Egypt

Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Fathy, Fotouh; Attia, Lasheen; Salah, Ashour, Ziko; Marmoush

Key Players

Chris Wood

Wood may not have added to his impressive international goal tally against Iran, but his influence on the match was undeniable. The Nottingham Forest striker provided both assists for Elijah Just's goals and demonstrated his impact.

At 34 years old, Wood remains New Zealand's constant threat and focal point in attack.

Wood's experience and attacking quality could be crucial if New Zealand are to claim all three points.

Chris Wood thanks fans during the Group G match between Iran and New Zealand (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Chris Wood thanks fans during the Group G match between Iran and New Zealand (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah

As always, Salah will be Egypt's biggest attacking weapon. The Liverpool star produced a clever assist for Emam Ashour's opener against Belgium and was involved in many of Egypt's most dangerous attacking moments.

One of the most encouraging aspects of Egypt's opener was their ability to create chances through multiple players rather than relying solely on their captain. However, Salah remains the player capable of deciding matches in an instant. He is now just two goals away from matching Hassan's tally of 69 goals for Egypt.

Salah's quality in the final third could prove the difference as Egypt chase a crucial first World Cup win.

Mohamed Salah during Egypt's opening game against Belgium in Seattle (Photo by Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah during Egypt's opening game against Belgium in Seattle (Photo by Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Match Details

Where is the game being played?

The match will take place at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off is scheduled for 02:00 BST on Monday, 22 June.

How can I watch?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV. Coverage will also be available via Fox Sports in the United States.