Argentina: Scaloni’s team survives a tough challenge and shows their resilience

Argentina enjoyed a near-perfect group stage, beginning with a dominant 3-0 victory over Algeria, followed by a comfortable 2-0 win against Austria and a 3-1 triumph over Jordan, even without Lionel Messi in the starting lineup. However, their Round of 16 clash with Cape Verde revealed some vulnerabilities, as the World Cup favorites needed extra time to secure a narrow 3-2 victory.

For Lionel Scaloni, the biggest concern lies on the defensive wings. Facundo Medina and Nahuel Molina struggled to make a strong impact both offensively and defensively, while Medina also suffered an injury. Adjustments are expected ahead of the next match, with Nicolás Tagliafico likely to return on the left, Gonzalo Montiel potentially taking the right-back role, and Nicolás González pushing for a place in attack ahead of Thiago Almada.

Egypt: A historic knockout journey built on discipline and determination

Egypt continues to impress at the World Cup and remains unbeaten. Hossam Hassan’s team began the tournament with a draw against Belgium, then recovered from behind to defeat New Zealand, before securing a crucial result against Iran to finish second in the group. In the Round of 16, the Pharaohs defeated Australia in a penalty shootout, converting every attempt from the spot.

The main challenge for Egypt is on the left side of defense. Karim Hafez suffered an injury during the match against Australia, while Ahmed Fattouh was already unavailable. Because of the shortage of options, Egypt could adopt a three-center-back system for the first time in the tournament, with Hamdi Fathi potentially moving from midfield into the defensive line.

Probable lineups

Argentina: Martínez, Montiel, Romero, Martínez, Tagliafico, Fernández, Mac Allister, González, De Paul, Martínez, Messi.

Egypt: Shobeir, Rabia, Fathi, Ibrahim, Hany, Lashin, Attia, Hassan, Ashour, Salah, Marmoush.

Match facts and head-to-head

Lionel Messi has scored seven goals at this World Cup and currently leads the Golden Boot race.

Egypt have found the net in every match of the tournament and remain unbeaten.

Fewer than three goals have been scored in six of Argentina’s last eleven competitive matches and in seven of Egypt’s last eleven games.

Switzerland and Colombia will battle f

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