ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) – Mohamed Salah started his debut for Egypt in the first round of the World Cup finals against Australia despite injuring his hamstring in the final group stage game.
The former Liverpool star was scheduled to start at home to the Dallas Cowboys on Friday, but a day later manager Hossam Hassan said through an interpreter that he expected Salah to play, but that he might have to come off the bench.
Salah needs one more goal to equal Hassan’s Egyptian record of 69 international goals. The 34-year-old team captain has played 119 international matches.
Salah was substituted in the 57th minute. Egypt vs Iran 1-1 draw With this, the Pharaohs advanced to the final tournament for the first time in their fourth World Cup. Hassan said Salah had undergone limited training in the days before the match against Australia.
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