World Cup Showdown: New Zealand Takes On Egypt - Preview, Predictions, and Lineups
New Zealand and Egypt face off on Sunday, seeking their first-ever World Cup victory. The All Whites impressed in their tournament debut, with Elijah Just scoring a brace against Iran, but ultimately settling for a 2-2 draw. Egypt also drew their opener, 1-1 against Belgium, outplaying the European side for long stretches.
With all teams in Group G level on one point, a win on Sunday would significantly boost either side's chances of advancing to the knockout rounds. Egypt is considered a cut above New Zealand, having performed well against Belgium. The North Africans will look to repeat that performance and secure a historic result.
New Zealand's defensive deficiencies were exposed by Iran, but coach Darren Bazeley is unlikely to make changes to his lineup. Chris Wood produced a strong performance against Iran, assisting two goals, and will likely start again. Egypt, meanwhile, is expected to deploy the same XI that held a lead against Belgium, with Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Mostafa Ziko posing a threat to New Zealand's suspect backline.
The predicted lineups are: New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenić; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood. Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Fathi, Fotouh; Lasheen, Attia; Salah, Ashour, Ziko; Marmoush. The match will be broadcast on various channels, including FS1, fuboTV, and TSN+.
With all teams in Group G level on one point, a win on Sunday would significantly boost either side's chances of advancing to the knockout rounds. Egypt is considered a cut above New Zealand, having performed well against Belgium. The North Africans will look to repeat that performance and secure a historic result.
New Zealand's defensive deficiencies were exposed by Iran, but coach Darren Bazeley is unlikely to make changes to his lineup. Chris Wood produced a strong performance against Iran, assisting two goals, and will likely start again. Egypt, meanwhile, is expected to deploy the same XI that held a lead against Belgium, with Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Mostafa Ziko posing a threat to New Zealand's suspect backline.
The predicted lineups are: New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Payne, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Bell, Stamenić; McCowatt, Singh, Just; Wood. Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Fathi, Fotouh; Lasheen, Attia; Salah, Ashour, Ziko; Marmoush. The match will be broadcast on various channels, including FS1, fuboTV, and TSN+.
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