Unfortunately for both Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the only thing at stake is pride when they meet on Monday morning. Each side has had a disappointing World Cup. Both teams were unable to get a result in matches with Uruguay and Russia, and those two teams will be moving on to the knockout round while the two Middle Eastern nations head home. Each side would love to end their time in Russia on a high note though. Egypt is still in search of its first ever World Cup victory, while Saudi Arabia is looking for its first win since making the Sweet Sixteen in 1994.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Volgograd Arena in Volgograd at 10 a.m. ET on Monday, June 25, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Saudi Arabia +345
Egypt -122
Draw +277
Over/Under 2.5
Recent Form
This is what we expected out of Saudi Arabia. The Green Falcons came into the World Cup as the lowest-ranked team by a considerable margin according to FIFA, and their play has been indicative of it. Saudi Arabia were hammered 5-0 by Russia in the first match of the competition. To date, that is the most lopsided victory of the tournament, and it showed just how outmatched they were. They looked slower, smaller, and weaker than their Russian counterparts.
Saudi Arabia did look somewhat better in a respectable 1-0 loss to Uruguay. The lone goal came off of a corner kick and was somewhat the result of goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais charging out of his goal when he shouldn’t have, but they largely held Uruguay’s vaunted attack down. Unfortunately, they couldn’t create much offense of their own.
You have to feel a little bad for Egypt. This was only their third trip to the World Cup, but they were a trendy pick to advance to the knockout rounds. Russia had looked weak in friendlies, while Mo Salah was carving up Premier League and Champions League defenses. Salah was hurt in the Champions League Final though, and he did not look like his old self.
Without their superstar, Egypt struggled. They nearly picked up a draw in their opener against Uruguay, but an 89th minute goal was a backbreaker. The defense was strong in the first half once again versus Russia, but then Russia fired in three goals in 15 minutes. That dashed any remaining hopes, but Salah was able to get on the scoresheet with a penalty kick goal.
Player to Watch
Speaking of Salah, it seems unlikely that he will play against Saudi Arabia. He somewhat surprisingly sat out of the Uruguay match after Egypt was insistent that he would be able to play, but then raced back into the lineup to lead the team against Russia with their hopes of advancing on the line.
Manager Hector Cuper has been criticized for how he has handled Salah’s injury, and with Egypt out of the tournament, he has no reason to open himself to further second guessing.
Matchup to Watch
Egypt has been largely good in defense. They were a bit unfortunate with some of the goals they gave up against Russia, but they should fare much better against Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia really doesn’t have much of an attack, and it’s hard to see a way they can cause problems in Egypt’s back line.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This game could end up being a little more wide open since it means nothing, but without Salah, neither team is going to be able to create much offense. That makes the under a great play.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Egypt 1, Saudi Arabia 0
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