Football Results

This match has absolutely no relevance for either of teams, given that Saudi Arabia and Egypt have no more chances to reach the knockout phase after being defeated in first two rounds. Both teams lost to the host team, Russia, and Uruguay, and now in Volgograd will play only for prestige. Let’s add that the two teams met twice in the 20th century, and Egypt won both friendlies. Near the turn of previous century Saudi Arabia won Egypt at the Confederation Cup in Mexico by even 5-1.

Saudi Arabia

One of regular Asian teams at World Cups has showed very little in first two rounds in Russia and was especially bad at the very beginning when it lost in Moscow to the host team by even 5-0. True, the Saudis had better ball possession in the match but at the same time were totally harmless in attack, while the defence seemed troubled, especially as it conceded two goals before the halftime. Regarding the second round when Saudi Arabia met Uruguay, its defence was much better and it allowed just one goal, but the attack failed again, so after first two matches the Saudis have no chance to reach the round of 16.

True, we believe that very few expected that Saudi Arabia reaches the knockout phase, especially as after the qualification they replaced experienced van Marwijk with much younger Spanish coach Pizzi, who obviously needed more time to get familiar with the team. Still, it doesn’t mean that the Saudis will not give their best in this consolation match with Egypt and their main objective will be probably to finally score in Russia. Regarding the team, we expect several changes in the starting line-up, especially as midfielders Al-Jassim and Bahbir are questionable due to injuries.

Probable lineups Saudi Arabia: Al-Owais – Al-Burayk, Os. Hawsawi, Al-Boleahi, Al-Shahrani – Al-Faraj, Ateef – Al-Muwallad, Al-Shehri, Al-Dawsari – Al-Sahlawi

Egypt

When we talk about African team with the most titles we need to say that the Egyptians had far greater expectations from this World Cup than the Saudis, especially as they have one of best players Salah. However, he got injured playing for Liverpool in the final of Champions League and was even questionable can he join the national team at all, but manager Cuper has decided to take him to Russia despite injury, which in the end didn’t make any good. In the first round Cuper deliberately left Salah on the bench in the first round against Uruguay in order to give him time to recover before facing Russia, but Egypt lost to Russia by sound 3-1, while against Uruguay they had one point without Salah all the way till the 89th minute.

In those moment Uruguay stopper Gimenez scored from set piece and brought valuable three points to his team. Disappointed Egyptians had to face in the second round very good Russians, who after winning Saudi Arabia by sound 5-0 got wind in their sails and after 62 minutes had a lead of 3-0. Later on, Salah scored the consolation goal for the Egyptians from penalty but that was all they made in the match. After two defeats the Egyptians had to accept reality that the knockout phase is out of their reach. Still, we believe they will seek to win the Saudis in the last match of the group phase in which every Egyptian football fans expect from manager Cuper to give chance to 45-year old goalie El-Hadary, with which he would become the oldest footballer who ever played at World Cups.

Probable lineups Egypt: El Hadary – Elmohamady, Samir, Hegazy, Abdel-Shafi – Elneny, Morsy – Salah, Said, Sobhi – Mohsen

Verdict:

Although Egypt has much better team than Saudi Arabia, we should bear in mind that after two rounds neither team has chance to reach the knockout phase. Consequently, this match should be quite easy going and efficient match on both sides.

Pick: both teams to score 1.97 - 97/100@1XBet