Argentina vs Egypt takes center stage as both sides lock in their starting XIs for a high-stakes FIFA World Cup Round-of-16 clash on Tuesday. Argentina have made three changes to their lineup, putting out a more aggressive and balanced side to the knockout stage. Julian Alvarez takes over from Lautaro Martinez on attack and Nicolas Tagliafico and Leandro Paredes join Thiago Almada and Facundo Medina on the defensive width and midblock, respectively.
Manager Lionel Scaloni’s changes embody the Argentine side’s desire to have balance but also exploit attacking transitions around the world-class Messi, who is arriving at the game in excellent form having netted three goals in the group stage. Argentina took convincing victories over Algeria (3-0), Austria (2-0) and Jordan (3-1), to finish on 3-2 in extra time against Cape Verde.
But Egypt come as a strong team. Head coach Hossam Hassan has made a change in the attack and midfield lines, switching Omar Marmoush and Hamdy Fathy for Haissem Hassan and Mohanad Lashin, respectively, to stamp new life into the striker and midfielder positions. Egypt went through the draw against Belgium (1-1) and Iran (1-1) as well as a 3-1 victory over New Zealand to advance to the Round of 16. They qualified through a tight penalty shootout over Australia.
Scaloni has warned not to take Egypt lightly, particularly in such a tournament as this one. Brazil and Germany have already been eliminated, and France and Spain are just scraping by.Several top teams have already had difficulties, as Brazil and Germany were eliminated in the first round.
The game will probably focus on midfield dominance and passing skills, with Egypt relying on the attacking threat of Salah. The victor of this match will meet Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals, so this match-up will be an exciting one for both sides.
