The memory of the Tokyo Olympics defeat still lingers for Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe as Australia prepares to face Egypt in the World Cup last 32 in Dallas this week. 'They ruined our dream,' Metcalfe said, recalling the 2-0 loss that ended Australia's medal hopes at the 2021 Games.
Olympic Defeat Fuels Motivation
Metcalfe, along with Harry Souttar and Cammy Devlin, are the only current Socceroos who played in that match. A draw would have seen Australia progress from their group, but Egypt's physicality and the humid conditions proved too much. 'I guess you could say it's a bit of revenge,' Metcalfe added.
The senior sides have rarely met, with Egypt winning 3-0 in Cairo in 2010. However, the Olympic encounter provides extra motivation for the three survivors.
Salah Fitness Dominates Pre-Match Talk
Much speculation has surrounded the fitness of Egypt forward Mo Salah, who left the field against Iran with a hamstring issue. The Socceroos, however, have not yet focused their plans on Salah or other threats like Manchester City's Omar Marmoush and Barcelona B's Hamza Abdelkarim. 'At the moment, we haven't really discussed Egypt that much,' Metcalfe said.
Defender Lucas Herrington acknowledged the team's depth: 'Salah and Marmoush are the names people remember, but we've got to be ready for everyone. They're a top team.'
History of Heartbreak in Knockout Stages
Australia has never won a World Cup knockout match, losing 1-0 to Italy in 2006 and 2-1 to Argentina in 2022. Metcalfe believes this squad has a 'really good shot' at breaking through. 'We've come so far, I don't think anyone expected us to get out of the group,' he said.
Metcalfe, who struggled for minutes at St Pauli this season, described the World Cup as a 'release' from inner anger. The seven-day break has allowed the squad to spend time with family in San Francisco before flying to Dallas on Wednesday.
