Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
This is probably not the way the two countries facing each other in the final match of the 2018 World Cup group stages. Both had a chance to make it to the knockout stages in what was deemed the “Group of Life” by some pundits, including our knowledgeable pool of football experts here at SBOBET.
However, it seems that Saudi Arabia vs Egypt was meant to become a farewell match for the two countries. It does not matter if you think both of these nations were robbed in their previous fixtures in the competition because that’s just the way football goes.
The Green Falcons will be hoping to score their first goal in this year’s edition of the World Cup as well as send their fans home with a smile. The Pharaohs, meanwhile, will be hoping that their fans will also be smiling bittersweet grins as they prepare to leave Russia.
Volgograd will be a witness to an outstanding battle between two World Cup teams that played fantastic football for the entire world!
Talking Points
Saudi Arabia started Russia 2018 on the wrong foot as they fell terribly to an overperforming Russia squad in front of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The simple fact that they weren’t able to score even once against the hosts probably brought the progressive and controversial Crown Prince to tears.
Juan Antonio Pizzi’s men recovered and played much better football against Uruguay, but Luis Suarez’s poach on the 23rd minute of the game meant that they were booted out of the World Cup. Many of the fans who watched at Rostov will testify to the quality of football exhibited by these Green Falcons.
Egypt also suffered the same fate as their Middle Eastern opponents. They also played top-notch football against the South American giants that featured Suarez and Edinson Cavani. However, they robbed of a point by a late header from Jose Gimenez that sent an entire nation to ecstasy and left another in despair.
Things didn’t get any better for the Pharaohs when they played the red-hot hosts for the second game. The Russians didn’t lose their scoring boots and overwhelmed them. While talisman Mohamed Salah finally made his World Cup debut, his efforts mattered little as the Russians also doomed them to an early exit out of Russia.
While these two nations have fallen out of the World Cup race, it wasn’t like they played terrible football. In fact, I have a new-found respect for these minnows in the global stage, and this is especially true for Saudi Arabia.
Many a pundit (yours truly included) only expected the Saudis to make an appearance in the World Cup and quietly bow out into the night. However, the Green Falcons showcased a relentless style of football that made Uruguay, the supposed favourites to come out on top, struggle for goals. They deserve every bit of praise that is coming their way.
However, their upcoming task of guarding Salah does not get any easier. After brushing off rumours of him leaving the Egypt squad early, everyone and their mothers can be sure that he will be raring to score goal after goal for the Pharaohs.
If they manage to contain Salah and limit Egypt to taking long shots from way out, there is a chance for Saudi Arabia to run away with the last three points in Group A.
History
Saudi Arabia and Egypt have met six times on the international football scene, with Egypt winning four of those engagements. The biggest win the Pharaohs got from their neighbours was their first: a 13-0 win by Egypt during the 1961 Pan-Arab Games. Saudi’s only win against Egypt was a 5-1 triumph during the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup.
In terms of recent form, Saudi Arabia are definitely trying currently on a five-game losing streak. They have only scored two goals in that stretch while their opponents dumped 13 goals through their defence. Pizzi needs to prioritise defence among his lads if he wants Saudi to win.
Egypt also had a poor run of form in their last five games. They drew against Kuwait and Egypt before losing 3-0 to Belgium in their last game. While it must be noted that Salah was only able to play during their latest game, the inability of Hector Cuper’s men to find goals is nothing short of unacceptable.
What are the odds?
There are interesting Saudi Arabia vs Egypt odds available for the ever-ready punter.
There is a high possibility that the two countries will split the honours, and a Draw is at 3.25. Egypt have 1.88 while Saudi Arabia are at 4.50.
The Asian Handicap market also tilts in Egypt’s favour. The Pharaohs have 2.19 for a -0.75 handicap, while the Green Falcons have 2.06 for a +0.50 goal boost.
I don’t we will see much goals here, making Under 2.25 goals at 2.08 a very attractive option. However, there is always the possibility of a Salah hat-trick, so Over 2.75 goals is at 2.47.
For more Saudi Arabia vs Egypt updates, SBOBET predictions and other World Cup news, don’t forget to check SBOBET Blog.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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