Salah wins fitness battle to lead Egypt into World Cup knockouts

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Egypt’s talisman and captain Mohamed Salah was named to start the last-32 World Cup encounter with Australia in Texas on Friday following a hamstring niggle.

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The former Liverpool attacker came off in Egypt’s final group game, a 1-1 draw with Iran, a week ago.

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Egypt coach Hossam Hassan had said on Thursday that he was “not sure” if the 34-year-old would be fit to start.

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But Hassan named him in a starting XI that also includes Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush in attack.

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Salah has one goal and two assists so far at the tournament in North America, and averages a goal every other game for his country.

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Egypt and Australia are both attempting to win a World Cup knockout game for the first time when they meet at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

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The winner will face either Lionel Messi’s reigning champions Argentina or debutants Cape Verde in the last 16.

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AFP

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