Salah fit as Socceroos face Egypt in World Cup knockout

Egypt today, Salah is fit

The knockout round is here. Australia face Egypt on Friday in Dallas in the World Cup Round of 32 (2). This is the moment.

Mohamed Salah is fit. The Egypt star trained fully after a hamstring strain and is available, though coach Hossam Hassan has not confirmed whether he starts (3). "Unsure whether veteran will start," the Guardian reported from the Egypt camp (3). Either way, your defence knows who they are dealing with. Salah is chasing legacy, a deep World Cup run is the one thing missing from his career (8).

Tony Popovic has a full squad to choose from. The expected lineup includes Souttar, Circati, Herrington, and Behich across the back, with Irvine and O'Neill in midfield. Metcalfe, Irankunda, Bos, and Volpato are all in the mix further forward. Patrick Beach likely starts in goal (2).

Herrington, still a teenager, has been the story of the tournament for Australia. He became the youngest Socceroo to start a World Cup match. European clubs are watching (2).

Okon-Engstler wanted by Groningen

Paul Okon-Engstler is on FC Groningen's radar. The 21-year-old midfielder, currently at the World Cup with Australia, is drawing interest from the Dutch club, though several other sides are also in the race (7).

Postecoglou linked with Japan

Ange Postecoglou's name is in the conversation for the Japan job. Japan lost to Brazil in the 96th minute of their last-32 match, their fifth straight World Cup knockout exit. Postecoglou, working as a pundit for British TV during the tournament, called it "heartbreaking" for a nation that keeps hitting the same barrier (5). The former Socceroos boss knows Asian football inside out. Watch this space.