- New Zealand have won one of their last five matches in all competitions
- Egypt have won two and drawn two of their last five fixtures in all competitions
- Egypt won their only previous meeting with New Zealand 1-0 in a friendly in 2024/25
Oceania's underdogs looking to make a mark
New Zealand and Egypt are level on one point apiece after their opening two games in FIFA World Cup Group G but Kiwi are top of the table and the Eagles of Egypt are fourth on goal difference.
The Kiwis were dominated by Haiti in a 4-0 defeat and England in a 1-0 loss in their two away games prior to the tournament but looked to find their spark in a 2-2 draw with Iran in their opening game.
Darren Bazeley has created a pragmatic, risk-managed style in his team with New Zealand playing in a compact 4-2-3-1 system and having a strong defensive base with a bit of flair to play on the break. Chris Wood is a driving force behind this as he was a creative force, providing two assists in the Group G campaign.
They look likely to get something on the board in Vancouver as Egypt have yet to win their only away game in the group, conceding once in a 1-1 draw with Belgium.
Egypt's Egyptian magic can surprise
But at BC Place, New Zealand have a player who can score on a world stage and he has three of New Zealand's last six goals - including a brace in their opener. Emam Ashour is the top scorer for Egypt in this Group G so far with one strike, with Mostafa Ziko getting two in his last five.
Hossam Hassan's team are more compact and also play a 4-2-3-1 system that is reliant on a solid double pivot to protect the defence while their flanks are very good in transition.
The visitors have a strong recent record, winning two and drawing two of their last five, and came away from Brazil with a 2-1 defeat in March before drawing 1-1 with Belgium in their Group G opener. Mohamed Salah remains the heartbeat of their team and his assist for the only goal in their match against Belgium was a masterclass in transition play.
End-to-end game likely
These two teams have a different style but both can be effective in the break, so I'm expecting a game full of transitions rather than long periods of possession.
New Zealand have shown some attacking spark in this tournament and Egypt have been vulnerable at the back in their previous two games so I expect both teams to find the net a few times in an end-to-end encounter at BC Place in Vancouver that could set the scene for a dramatic final day of fixtures in this group.
The odds for Over 2.5 goals are 119/100 and Both Teams to Score - Yes is 111/100, so the bookmakers are expecting some attacking action in this one.
