Source : ABC NEWS
In a World Cup in which so much history has already been made, Australia and Egypt are on the cusp of creating their own when they meet in the round of 32 in Dallas tomorrow.
Both are chasing a first knockout stage win, which ensures one will create history and one will go home wondering what could have been.
Let’s start with the Socceroos, now in a sixth straight World Cup.
With one of their most exciting squads in a generation, they have a sense of optimism and confidence that, under the dome of Dallas Stadium, they will achieve what some of the country’s greats couldn’t.
Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and company scored Australia’s first-ever World Cup goal, and sealed progression out of the group stage for the first time.
Australia’s golden generation delivered many memorable moments, but this current crop is hoping to go one step further. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)
But since that time, Australia has won just three more World Cup matches, with five wins from a total 23 matches at the code’s biggest event.
This current edition has already seen the Socceroos add to its legacy: Patrick Beach, on his competitive debut for Australia, made eight saves against Türkiye, the most by an Australian goalkeeper at a men’s World Cup.
No Australian has made more saves in a single World Cup match than Patrick Beach’s eight against Türkiye. (Reuters: Lee Smith)
Nestory Irankunda, in the same game, became Australia’s youngest goal scorer at a World Cup, and the youngest goal scorer from the Asian Football Confederation.
History has been made and the Socceroos have their eyes on a collective prize, though to achieve it they will need to get past an opponent with designs of their own.
Egypt chasing a slice of history as well
The African nation has become a powerhouse in the African Football Confederation, winning the African Cup of Nations seven times, though not since 2010.
With aging great Mohamed Salah likely playing in his final World Cup, they have a chance to win a knockout stage game themselves.
Mo Salah could be at his final World Cup, and will be hoping to deliver Egypt its first knockout stage win. (Getty Images: Emma Ottosen/ISI Photos)
The Pharoahs have struggled on the global front, qualifying for just four World Cups since 1934, with their other appearances coming in 1990 and 2018.
Egypt has made its own history at this World Cup, when it beat New Zealand to record its first win at the tournament.
The team has also scored five goals at this tournament alone, which is the total sum of their goals at their previous three appearances.
They may also know that the two sides who have beaten Australia in the knockout stages have gone on to win the World Cup, so if they get the job done they can dream of the ultimate goal.
Whichever side prevails, and one does have to prevail, the history books will be updated once more in a tournament that has delivered so many moments.
