Argentina - Egypt: Prediction and Match Preview

July 7. 19:00. Atlanta. "Mercedes-Benz Stadium"
World Cup. 1/8 finals

Argentina - Egypt

Where to watch: MEGOGO

Disqualified: none
Injured: Nahuel Molina, Facundo Medina, Enzo Fernandez, Nico Gonzalez (all questionable) - Karim Hafez, Ahmed Fathi, Mohamed Abdelmonem

Argentina - Egypt: Betting Odds

Can Argentina continue their title defense, or will Egypt achieve what Cape Verde almost did and stop the reigning champions?

Argentina

The focus is on Lionel Messi. At 39, with countless trophies under his belt, he continues to amaze even the most skeptical observers.

In the round of 16 against Cape Verde, Messi opened the scoring as Argentina won 3-2, having twice conceded a goal. The goal was his seventh of the tournament, making him the first player in history to score at least seven times in two different World Cups.

He is now looking to extend his scoring streak and join Guillermo Stabile, who in 1930 became the only Argentine to score eight goals in a single World Cup. Another goal against Egypt would put Messi among only six players to score in the first five matches of a World Cup.

Argentina have scored at least twice in 10 consecutive World Cup matches. Another such result would equal Uruguay's record of 11 consecutive matches with two or more goals, set between 1930 and 1954.

Egypt, on the other hand, have conceded nine goals in their last six World Cup matches, while scoring eight. Only Ghana has previously had a longer streak of scoring and conceding goals in two consecutive World Cup games.

Egypt

Egypt reached this stage by beating Australia 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw. The result maintained their unbeaten run.

A win here would make them only the fifth African team to reach the quarter-finals, after Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana and Morocco.

Mohamed Salah played the full 120 minutes against Australia despite pre-match concerns about a hamstring problem and converted his penalty. He has already created 16 chances; two more would equal Kevin-Prince Boateng's African record of 18, set in 2010.

Argentina v Egypt: Predicted Line-ups

Facundo Medina left the Cape Verde match with severe cramps, while Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Gonzalez struggled with discomfort. All three are expected to be available.

Egypt also paid dearly for their victory. Karim Hafez was substituted in the 80th minute, with conflicting reports of fatigue or a minor hamstring problem. Ahmed Fathi missed the game with a thigh injury and his participation remains in doubt. Mohamed Abdelmonem missed the game with an ankle injury sustained in the match against Iran and his performance is also questionable.

On the positive side, experienced midfielder Mohanad Lashin returns from suspension.

Argentina - Egypt: Author's Prediction

A high-scoring game looks unlikely. Egypt are organised and patient, aware that an open match has few chances against Argentina. However, the South Americans should face fewer problems than against Cape Verde and decide the match within 90 minutes. My prediction: Argentina win and under 3.5 goals.