Australia and Egypt meet in Arlington, Texas on Friday with a spot in the last 16 up for grabs and potentially a clash with defending champion Argentina on offer to the winners.
The Socceroos have reached the knockout stages at a World Cup for the third time, having previously lost to the eventual winners Italy in 2006 and Argentina in 2022.
The Pharaohs have come out of a group stage at the World Cup for the first time at the third attempt.
It's the runners-up from Group D taking on the second-placed finishers in Group G as both Australia and Egypt seek to follow the lead of their group winners - the United States and Belgium - by progressing to the last 16.
Australia vs. Egypt betting picks and predictions
Egypt to win & under 2.5 goals (+300)
Egypt's performances so far in this tournament suggest they have the quality to end Australia's involvement, though the fitness of Mohamed Salah could have a big impact on this contest.
The Pharaohs' talisman went off with a minor hamstring concern in the draw with Iran, but is expected to be fit to start.
Egypt were unfortunate not to beat Belgium in their opener before a 3-1 win over New Zealand.
They dominated possession in the draw with Iran, but were fortuitous to see a last-gasp winner for the Iranians chalked off for offside, albeit Egypt would have qualified for this stage regardless.
Australia's opening 2-0 win owed as much to Turkiye's wastefulness as anything, as the losing side had 30 shots and 72 per cent possession in that 2-0 loss.
Tony Popovic's side have been uninspiring in two games since, losing 2-0 to the USA before a scoreless encounter against Paraguay that suited both teams in the interests of reaching the knockouts.
The Socceroos are strong defensively, with five clean sheets in their last eight competitive games, but Egypt can break them down to win a low-scoring affair in Texas.
Half with most goals - 1st (+220)
Few goals are expected in this clash and any goalscoring action we do see could come relatively early.
Five of Egypt's last seven game-opening goals in normal time have arrived before the 20-minute marker.
Four of the eight goals scored in Egypt's group games came before half time, with the biggest exception being the three they fired past New Zealand in the second half in Vancouver.
Australia's three group games witnessed just one goal beyond the half-time break, Connor Metcalfe's clincher in their opener against Turkiye.
Mahmoud Trezeguet & Nestory Irankunda 1+ shots on target (+225)
Watford winger Nestory Irankunda scored a fine goal to put the Aussies ahead against Turkiye. He had two shots in that game and managed two more in the stalemate against Paraguay.
The 20-year-old is a real creative spark in this Socceroos side and can land a shot on target here.
So, too, can Egypt's Mahmoud Trezeguet - a talismanic figure in Hossam Hassan's set-up.
He didn't feature against Belgium but came off the bench to score against New Zealand and was rewarded with 90 minutes against Iran, where he laid on the early opener for Mahmoud Saber.
He had a game-high five shots in that contest, with two on target, and can test the Socceroos netminder now.
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Australia vs. Egypt odds
Australia | +230 |
Tie | +190 |
Egypt | +145 |
Australia vs. Egypt player props
Anytime goalscorer
Mohamed Salah (Egypt) | +175 |
Omar Marmoush (Egypt) | +260 |
Mohamed Toure (Australia) | +300 |
Nestory Irankunda (Australia) | +300 |
Mahmoud Trezeguet (Egypt) | +333 |
Connor Metcalfe (Australia) | +600 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
