Socceroos trailing as Egypt ‘play acting’ frustrates opponents

Australia will need to come from behind if they want to progress to the World Cup Round of 16.

With captain Mohamed Salah starting after a week of speculation, Egypt took an early 1-0 lead through a header from Emam Ashour in the 13th minute.

As the first half progressed the Socceroos’ opponents were increasingly happy to delay play, tumbling to the ground with every close contest — sometimes legitimately, often not so much.

“It’s definitely not going to be the last time we see these antics, slowing the game down,” Luke Wilkshire observed in commentary for SBS, labelling the behaviour of the Egyptians as ‘play acting’.

“He’s cried wolf and the referee has responded… maybe sometimes the Socceroos could play bit smarter.”

With Australia still searching for quality service from corners and set pieces, there was some irony that Egypt looked more dangerous from stoppages in the opening 45 minutes.

Alas, while the Socceroos had several good chances to equalise they were unable to land a decisive blow, trailing 0-1 at the break with it all to do in the second half in Dallas.

In further worrying scenes for Tony Popovic and the Socceroos, a limping Jordy Bos was assisted from the field after a high foot challenge in the dying seconds of the first half.

Socceroos trailing as Egypt ‘play acting’ frustrates opponents

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