Omar Marmoush leads the conversation around a match that can put New Zealand or Egypt on the brink of the knockout rounds. New Zealand and Egypt meet on Sunday night after opening-game draws, with both chasing a first-ever World Cup victory.
Elijah Just scored twice in New Zealand’s 2–2 draw with Iran, while Egypt drew 1–1 with Belgium in Seattle after long stretches in control. A win on Sunday will all but guarantee a place in the knockout rounds, and it would also be the first World Cup victory either nation has ever claimed.
Darren Bazeley and Group G
Darren Bazeley is unlikely to change much from the side that faced Iran, especially in attack. New Zealand led Iran twice but still could not protect either lead, leaving the team with a draw despite Just’s brace.
That opening result matters because Group G has already seen every team level at one point. Before the tournament opened, this was described as the most winnable game for Hossam Hassan’s side, which makes Sunday night a direct test of whether Egypt can turn control into a result against New Zealand.
Hossam Hassan’s opening edge
Egypt’s draw in Seattle gave Hossam Hassan a platform after a match in which his side outplayed Belgium for long stretches. The point kept Egypt in step with New Zealand, and it set up a game that carries the clearest route to history for both teams.
For New Zealand, another disciplined start is likely to matter more than a change in shape. For Egypt, the task is to turn pressure into the first World Cup win that has so far stayed out of reach for both sides.
