Egypt and Iran chase first World Cup knockout berths in Seattle
Egypt can top Group G against Iran, while both teams remain in contention for a first trip beyond the World Cup group stage.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
3 min read
Egypt meet Iran in Seattle on Friday with both teams trying to secure a first appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds. Al Jazeera reported that Egypt lead Group G after two matches, while Iran remain second and can still finish top.
The Group G match is scheduled for 8pm local time at Seattle Stadium, which is 03:00 GMT on Saturday, according to Al Jazeera. The top two teams in each of the 12 groups, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the round of 32.
Group G stakes
Al Jazeera reported that Egypt have four points after a draw with Belgium and a 3-1 win over New Zealand, the country’s first World Cup victory. Iran have two points after draws with New Zealand and Belgium, while Belgium also have two points and New Zealand have one.
Egypt will win the group by beating Iran, according to Al Jazeera. A draw can also be enough for Egypt to finish first if Belgium do not beat New Zealand by at least three goals.
Iran can top the group by defeating Egypt if Belgium fail to beat New Zealand, Al Jazeera reported. Iran are trying to reach the knockout rounds at the eighth attempt.
Salah near Egypt record
Mohamed Salah enters the match one goal short of Hossam Hassan’s Egypt scoring record of 69, according to Al Jazeera. Hassan, who played for Egypt from 1985 to 2006, is now the national team’s head coach.
Hassan told reporters that Egypt are not relying only on “one star or two stars” to carry the team. He also said Salah has been given more freedom in a central role, describing the forward’s current play as creative and different from earlier versions of his game.
Al Jazeera reported that Salah has one goal and two assists at the tournament. Egypt have not reached the World Cup knockout stage since making their tournament debut 92 years ago.
Iran travel issues
Al Jazeera reported that Iran’s World Cup campaign has been affected by US travel restrictions after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28. For Iran’s first two matches, the team were permitted to enter US match cities only within 24 hours of kickoff and had to return immediately afterward to their base in Tijuana, Mexico, according to Al Jazeera.
US authorities eased the restrictions before the Egypt match, Al Jazeera reported, though Iran’s football federation said officials still “caused problems” during the team’s trip from Mexico. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei told reporters the earlier restrictions had affected his players physically, but said the squad are fitter and in a better position now.
Ghalenoei said Iran would stay positive and try to bring joy to people at home, according to Al Jazeera. He declined to comment in detail on Pride celebrations around the match.
Predictions, team news and viewing
Opta’s model gives Egypt a 44.1 percent chance of beating Iran, with Iran at 24.6 percent and a draw at 31.3 percent, according to Al Jazeera. Opta also makes Egypt the favorite to finish first in Group G, with a 62.51 percent probability.
Al Jazeera reported that Egypt players Hamdi Fathy and Hossam Abdelmaguid are injury doubts. Iran have not reported any player injuries before the final group match.
Al Jazeera listed Egypt’s predicted lineup as Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, El Fotouh; Ateya, Lasheen; Ziko, Salah, Ashour; Marmoush. Iran’s predicted lineup was Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Kanaani, Nemati, Khalilzadeh, Safi; Jahanbakhsh, Ghoddos, Ezatolahi, Mohebi; Taremi.
Al Jazeera said the match will air on beIN SPORTS MAX channels in Egypt, IRIB TV3 and IRIB Varzesh among other outlets in Iran, BBC services in the United Kingdom, and FOX, FS1, Telemundo and Peacock platforms in the United States. FIFA’s listings provide country-by-country broadcast details.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.