Australia and Egypt will battle for a place in the Round of 16 when they meet at Dallas Stadium on Friday.
The Socceroos progressed from Group D after a disciplined campaign that saw them finish behind the United States and Turkey. Australia responded well after their opening defeat, defeating Turkey before earning the point they needed against Paraguay to reach the last 32. Tony Popovic's side are now bidding to win a World Cup knockout match for the first time in their history.
Egypt arrive with confidence after making history in the group stage. Hossam Hassan's side claimed their first-ever World Cup victory by defeating New Zealand 3-1. They remained unbeaten throughout the group phase, also earning draws against Belgium and Iran to finish second in Group G. The Pharaohs will now look to continue their memorable tournament and set up a Round of 16 meeting with either Argentina or Cape Verde.
Team News
Australia
Australia head into the knockout stages with no major injury concerns, allowing Popovic to select from an almost fully fit squad.
Experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryan is expected to retain his place between the posts, while Harry Souttar will once again lead the defence. Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe are likely to continue in midfield after impressive performances during the group stage.
Further forward, Mathew Leckie's experience should provide Australia with strong attacking threat as they look to break down an organised Egyptian defence.
Jackson Irvine and Harry Souttar celebrate after the Group D match between Paraguay and Australia (Photo by Elysia Su/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Egypt
Egypt's biggest concern surrounds captain Mohamed Salah after the Liverpool forward was forced off during the second half of the draw against Iran with a hamstring issue.
Head coach Hossam Hassan confirmed that Salah requested to be substituted, with the forward set to undergo a late fitness assessment before Friday's clash. Should he be fit enough to feature, he will once again lead Egypt's attack alongside Omar Marmoush and Trézéguet.
Elsewhere, Hassan has no fresh injury concerns and is expected to stick with the side that impressed throughout the group stage.
Likely line-ups
Australia
Ryan; Geria, Souttar, Burgess, Bos; Metcalfe, Irvine, O'Neill; Leckie, Irankunda, Mabil
Egypt
El Shenawy; Hany, Rabia, Abdelmonem, Fatouh; Hamdy Fathy, Emam Ashour; Ibrahim Adel, Marmoush, Trézéguet; Salah
Key Players
Harry Souttar
Australia's success throughout the tournament has been built on a disciplined defensive structure, with Harry Souttar leading the line.
The centre-back has been a commanding presence in Australia's defence throughout the tournament, helping the Socceroos keep things tight at the back.
With Egypt boasting dangerous attackers such as Salah and Marmoush, Souttar's ability to organise Australia's defence could prove decisive in determining who advances.
Mohamed Salah
If fit, Mohamed Salah will once again be Egypt's biggest attacking threat as they look to reach the Round of 16.
Even with his fitness in doubt, Salah remains Egypt's most dangerous attacking player, and his leadership has also been crucial during their unbeaten group-stage campaign.
Australia will know that limiting Salah's influence could be key to keeping their World Cup dream alive.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match will take place at Dallas Stadium in Texas.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is scheduled for 13:00 local time on Friday, 3 July. That is 19:00 BST for viewers in the United Kingdom.
How can I watch?
The match will be broadcast live on the BBC in the UK. Viewers in Australia can watch the match live on SBS, while fans in Egypt can follow the action on beIN Sports.
