BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

World champions Argentina will seek a place in the history books when they face tournament debutants Jordan in a fascinating Group stage encounter.

The South American giants are just one victory away from reaching 50 FIFA World Cup wins, a milestone previously achieved only by Brazil and Germany.

For Jordan, the match represents another historic chapter in their remarkable World Cup journey. The Middle Eastern nation will face South American opposition in the tournament for the first time and will relish the opportunity to test themselves against one of football’s elite sides.

Argentina have looked every inch defending champions, combining experience with attacking brilliance. Their squad boasts several players capable of deciding matches with moments of individual quality.

Jordan have already earned admiration for their organisation and fighting spirit, qualities they will need in abundance against an Argentine side chasing both qualification and a significant statistical landmark.

Although Argentina enter as overwhelming favourites, Jordan will hope to frustrate the South Americans and perhaps produce one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

History will be made when Congo DR and Uzbekistan meet, with both nations chasing their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory.

Neither side has previously recorded a win at the finals, adding extra significance to a match that could prove pivotal to their hopes of progressing to the knockout phase.

The encounter also marks a first in World Cup history, as neither nation has previously faced an opponent from the other’s confederation at the tournament.

Congo DR have impressed observers with their athleticism and determination, while Uzbekistan have demonstrated tactical discipline and resilience against more experienced opposition.

For both teams, the fixture presents a rare opportunity to write a memorable chapter in their footballing histories. A victory would not only keep qualification hopes alive but also secure a landmark achievement that supporters would celebrate for generations.

With so much at stake, expect a fiercely contested battle as two emerging football nations seek a breakthrough moment on the world’s biggest stage.

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Mohamed Salah remains the focal point of Egypt’s attack at the FIFA World Cup, but the Pharaohs have shown they are no longer solely dependent on their talisman as they prepare for a historic knockout-stage appearance.

The Liverpool star endured a subdued outing in Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran on Friday and was substituted in the 57th minute after reporting a physical issue. While coach Hossam Hassan downplayed concerns over the winger’s condition, Egypt will anxiously await an assessment ahead of their Round of 32 clash against Australia in Dallas on July 3.

Salah, now 34, has long been the heartbeat of Egyptian football. He scored nine of Egypt’s 20 goals during their World Cup qualifying campaign and entered the tournament as the undisputed leader of the side.

Yet Egypt’s performances in the United States have highlighted the evolution of a team that is beginning to thrive beyond the influence of its biggest star.

The Pharaohs reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history after finishing second in Group G, narrowly missing top spot on goal difference after Belgium’s emphatic 5-1 victory over New Zealand on Friday.

While Salah contributed one goal and two assists in Egypt’s opening two matches, coach Hassan’s side has demonstrated a more balanced attacking approach than previous Egyptian teams.

In the opening 1-1 draw against Belgium, Salah’s vision and movement helped create the equaliser, with midfielder Emam Ashour finding the net from outside the penalty area after being fed by the veteran forward.

The team’s attacking depth became even more evident in a convincing 3-1 victory over New Zealand, where Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” and Mostafa Abdel Raouf “Zico” joined Salah on the scoresheet.

Against Iran, with Salah struggling to impose himself before his early departure, midfielder Mahmoud Saber stepped forward, scoring inside the opening five minutes to secure the point Egypt needed to maintain momentum heading into the knockout rounds.

The transformation reflects the work of Hassan since taking charge in 2024. Under his guidance, Egypt have adopted a more dynamic style of play, using Salah’s reputation and movement to attract defenders and create opportunities for teammates rather than relying exclusively on his finishing ability.

The contrast with Egypt’s previous World Cup appearance in Russia eight years ago is striking. In 2018, Salah scored both of Egypt’s goals as the team crashed out after defeats to Uruguay, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

This time, the Pharaohs have advanced beyond the group stage with contributions coming from across the squad, giving them renewed confidence ahead of their meeting with Australia.

Even if Salah is not fully fit, Egypt’s growing cast of attacking options suggests the Australians will have more than one threat to worry about when the teams meet in Dallas for a place in the Round of 16.

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