The reigning World Cup champions enter the Round of 16 in stellar form, having won all five matches in the tournament by a combined score of 14-3. Lionel Messi is in incredible spirits – he has already scored seven goals in this World Cup and continues to break records. Argentina has an overwhelming lead in head-to-head encounters with Egypt, having won all two of their previous matches by a combined score of 8-0. Considering that Argentina has won 10 of their last 12 World Cup knockout matches, their experience in knockout matches is a huge advantage.
Egypt, meanwhile, reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history, but their path has been far more arduous. Three of their four matches in the tournament have ended in 1-1 draws, and in the Round of 32, Egypt needed a penalty shootout to beat Australia. Furthermore, the team's key player, Mohamed Salah, is suffering from muscle problems, and his fitness is seriously in question. While Argentina has a much deeper squad, allowing Scaglioni to make substitutions without losing quality, Egypt looks tired and dependent on a single leader.
Given the colossal difference in quality and experience, the prognosis for this match is clear. Argentina is the clear favorite, and even despite potential finishing issues, the quality of Messi and company should decide the outcome.
