Battle-hardened Argentina and Egypt set for World Cup last-16 clash

KANSAS CITY – Argentina and Egypt head into their World Cup last-16 clash on July 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta with little time to recover after both survived gruelling physical tests in their first knockout match.

Reigning champions Argentina needed extra time to edge out World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 on July 3, while Egypt endured 120 minutes before defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw.

The quick turnaround has raised concerns for the teams, but particularly for Argentina, whose previously flawless campaign showed signs of vulnerability for the first time.

After cruising through the group stage, Lionel Scaloni’s side struggled to impose themselves against Cape Verde, prompting debate over whether the performance was an isolated stumble or evidence of weaknesses that opponents can exploit.

Former La Albiceleste striker Sergio Aguero said on ESPN Argentina: “What worries me now is that there are only four days to rest, travel, many players were suffering from cramps, and now you play Egypt, who are also a very physically strong team.

“I think they have a little more quality at the front than Cape Verde.”

Argentina coach Scaloni said after the Cape Verde win: “What comes from now on? Now to rest. I don’t know how the World Cup is made but we have had six days and now we have 3½.

“When you need the rest the most, you have the least. It’s a very difficult thing to understand, it should have started gradually. But oh well, that’s the way it is.”

Lionel Messi admitted after the Cape Verde match that he was tired and lamented Argentina’s inability to press high up the pitch.

Egypt are likely to draw encouragement from the way Cape Verde troubled the South Americans.

The North Africans relied heavily on their defensive organisation and looked to Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to launch counter-attacks against Australia, an approach they could employ again against the holders.

For Egypt, a fully fit Salah could be crucial after the forward entered the Australia match with a hamstring concern and at times appeared reluctant to sprint at full speed during a draining 120-minute contest.

On facing the World Cup’s record scorer Messi, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said: “We do not fear anyone, and no Egyptian fears anyone.”

His twin brother Ibrahim, Egypt’s team director, told local media: “We aren’t focusing on Messi. We tell the players to go out there, play their game, and block out the stature of who they are up against.

“They might have Messi, but we in Egypt have Mohamed Salah and we have 26 Messis of our own.”

Argentina have publicly maintained their cautious tone.

“It will be a very difficult match,” midfielder Leandro Paredes said. “We are at the elite level of football and all national teams are very good and physical.”

The winner of the match in Atlanta will face Switzerland or Colombia in Kansas City on July 11. REUTERS