Socceroos name unchanged team as Egypt start Salah

Anna Harrington |

Nestory Irankunda will lead the Socceroos’ attack against in the World Cup match against Egypt.
Nestory Irankunda will lead the Socceroos’ attack against in the World Cup match against Egypt.

The Socceroos will go in unchanged for their World Cup round-of-32 clash with Egypt, whose star Mohamed Salah will start.

For the first time all tournament, coach Tony Popovic didn’t make any changes to his starting line-up that drew 0-0 with Paraguay, including keeping the faith with an attack spearheaded by Nestory Irankunda.

Egypt captain and former Liverpool star Salah will start at Dallas Stadium on Friday (4am AEST Saturday), having been under a cloud all week after suffering a hamstring strain in the Pharaohs’ final group match against Iran.

Mohamed Salah
Egypt’s legendary striker Mohamed Salah will start against the Socceroos in Dallas. (AP PHOTO)

Socceroos defender Jordan Bos appears set to remain in his dynamic right wing-back role, with veteran Aziz Behich on the left.

The Socceroos are seeking their maiden knockout win at the World Cup, as are Egypt.

The winner will face either reigning champions Argentina or minnows Cape Verde, who play later on Friday.

AUSTRALIA’S STARTING XI AGAINST EGYPT

Patrick Beach (goalkeeper); Jordan Bos, Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Lucas Herrington, Aziz Behich; Aiden O’Neill, Jackson Irvine; Cristian Volpato, Connor Metcalfe, Nestory Irankunda.

AAP