Alvarez starts as Argentina ring three changes for Egypt clash

Argentina made three changes to their side for Tuesday's World Cup Round-of-16 match against Egypt, replacing striker Lautaro Martinez with Julian Alvarez in the starting lineup.

Lionel Scaloni replaced Facundo Medina and Thiago Almada with left back Nicolas Tagliafico and midfielder Leandro Paredes.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan made two changes, bringing in forward Haissem Hassan and midfielder Mohanad Lashin in place of Omar Marmoush and Hamdy Fathy.

Recent form

In the group stage, Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0, the match in which Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick. They beat Austria 2-0 and got rid of Jordan with a 3-1 victory.

Egypt drew 1-1 with Belgium in the group stage, beat New Zealand 3-1 and drew again with Iran 1-1.

Argentina edged Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to reach the last 16, while Egypt beat Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.

Scaloni is not underestimating Egypt as he has said that there are no favourites in the World Cup after seeing big teams exiting.

Argentina are not alone in facing stern resistance. France required a penalty to edge past Paraguay, Spain needed a stoppage-time winner against Portugal, while Brazil and Germany have already suffered early exits.

The winners will face Switzerland or Colombia, who play later on Tuesday, in the quarter-finals.

Argentina starting XI

Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.

Egypt starting XI

Mostafa Shoubir; Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Ramy Rabia, Karim Hafez; Mohanad Lashin, Emam Ashour, Marawan Attia, Mostafa Zico; Mohamed Salah, Haissem Hassan.