Australia will be looking for their first World Cup knockout victory when they take on Egypt in the round of 32 tonight. The match is set to take place at Dallas Stadium, with both teams having advanced as runners-up in their respective groups.
Group Stage Performance
Tony Popovic's Socceroos finished second behind co-hosts the USA on four points in Group D. Egypt, meanwhile, were pipped to top spot in Group G on goal difference by Belgium. The winner of tonight's tie will face either holders Argentina or tournament debutants Cape Verde in the round of 16.
Key Players in the Australia Squad
With history potentially beckoning, here are the players to watch in the Australia squad:
Patrick Beach: The 22-year-old goalkeeper entered World Cup folklore after Spanish broadcaster Telemundo's passionate pronunciation of his surname. He has played every minute for the Socceroos at this tournament.
Alessandro Circati: The Italian-born defender is one of four players to have played every minute of every game for Australia at the World Cup so far. He will be tasked with stopping Egypt's wealth of attacking talent.
Harry Souttar: The giant centre-back, born in Scotland, will be familiar to Championship fans after spells with Leicester, Sheffield United, and Stoke. He and Jackson Irvine are familiar faces in the Australia team.
Cameron Burgess: Born in Aberdeen like Souttar, Burgess moved to Australia when he was 11 years old. He currently plays for Swansea.
Lucas Herrington: The youngest player in Australia's squad at 18, the centre-back didn't look out of place as he started and helped keep a clean sheet in the final group game against Paraguay. He has a bright future.
Connor Metcalfe: Sealed all three points in the opening game by netting Australia's second goal in their 2-0 win over Turkey. He currently plays club football alongside Socceroos teammate Jackson Irvine at German side St Pauli.
Paul Okon-Engstler: The Belgian-born midfielder is considered one of the brightest talents in this young Australian team.
Jackson Irvine: The moustachioed midfielder is one of the more recognisable faces in Australia's squad, though he is not always the first name on the teamsheet.
Aiden O'Neill: A pivotal part of Australia's team, the New York City FC midfielder has played every minute at this World Cup. He started his career at Oldham and made four Premier League appearances for Burnley as a teenager.
Nestory Irankunda: Australia will be pinning their hopes on Watford's brilliant young forward. He announced himself with a superb turn of pace and finish to open the scoring against Turkey, but has been quiet since as Australia have failed to score in successive games.
