Salah a doubt as Egypt prepare for Argentina in the Round of 16

Egypt beat Australia on penalties, Argentina next

Your team is into the Round of 16. Egypt knocked out Australia in a penalty shootout in the World Cup Round of 32 (3). That makes Egypt one of only 41 countries to win a knockout match at a World Cup. Argentina await on Tuesday, and a quarterfinal spot is on the line.

Salah fitness the only question that matters

Mo Salah came off with a hamstring issue in the Iran match. Hossam Hassan said Salah assured him he is "going to be okay," but the official word is still doubt. Everything hinges on that hamstring. If Salah goes, he could break Hassan's own Egypt scoring record against Argentina (6). The boss would lose a personal mark to his own star.

Marmoush under the brightest spotlight

If Salah is limited, Omar Marmoush carries the attack. Manchester City are watching closely, treating this tie as a sharp test of his post-World Cup value. No pressure.

Egypt assistant coach: 'We have 26 Messis'

The camp is not lacking confidence. Egypt's assistant coach fired back at the Argentina buildup: "They may have Messi, but we have Mohamed Salah" (4). Argentina landed in Atlanta on Monday, and Scaloni is testing lineup variations ahead of the match (1) (2).

Mac Allister on Salah: 'He helped me a lot'

Alexis Mac Allister, Salah's former Liverpool teammate, had warm words before the clash: "Mo is a person who helped me a lot" (5). The respect is there. On Tuesday, it counts for nothing.

French referee Letexier appointed, Argentina fans nervous

François Letexier will officiate Argentina vs Egypt (7). Argentine fans are unsettled by the appointment, given the France-Argentina rivalry. The Frenchman's presence could add an edge.

Fan reactions

Egypt fans are soaking in the moment. The Pharaohs are on a short list of 41 nations to have won a World Cup knockout match, and supporters are celebrating the milestone while eyeing the Argentina test. Cape Verde, DR Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, and others made the knockout stages this year but Egypt are already through. One win from a quarterfinal. Read more on r/soccer