New Zealand vs Egypt Predictions

All white on the night in Vancouver

New Zealand’s 2-2 draw with Iran was one of the highlights of the first round of group stage matches and that may not be where the positivity ends for the Kiwis. 

Elijah Just’s two goals stole the show, but Chris Wood was an excellent foil for the All Whites in attack and the Nottingham Forest man could cause Egypt problems in Vancouver. 

It’s not as simple as just getting the ball forward to Wood, but the physical presence of the 34-year-old is a major attribute for New Zealand and Egypt did look vulnerable when powerhouse forward Romelu Lukaku was introduced in the second half of their 2-2 draw with Belgium. 

Egypt have the star names in Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, but Salah was taken off before the final whistle against the Red Devils, which suggests the Liverpool man is not fully fit and Hossam Hassan’s men are heavily reliant on the counter-attacking potential of those Premier League performers. 

Pharaohs may struggle to rule

Belgium came on to the Pharaohs in their first World Cup contest, which allowed Egypt to deploy plays in transition, but the Vancouver contest has a much-changed set up. 

This time Egypt are the favourties, with the expectation of three points and New Zealand could give Hassan’s men a taste of their own medicine. 

The Kiwis look a little too big in this spot.