Australia star sends warning to Salah ahead of Egypt World Cup showdown

Australia defender Jordan Buss has admitted his side are preparing specifically to stop Egypt captain Mohamed Salah ahead of Friday’s World Cup Round of 32 encounter.

The Australian player praised Salah’s quality and reputation in world football but insisted there would be no room for admiration once the match begins.

“There may be respect off the field, but on the field there is no respect,” Buss said in comments published by ESPN.

“It’s a matter of either eating or being eaten. That’s how everyone will enter this game, and that’s how I will enter it too.”

Salah remains Egypt’s main threat

Salah heads into the knockout clash as Egypt’s biggest attacking weapon after helping the Pharaohs reach the Round of 32 by finishing second in Group G with five points.

Australia also progressed as runners-up in Group D after collecting four points, setting up a meeting between two nations aiming to continue their World Cup journey.

Buss acknowledged the challenge posed by the Egyptian captain, who remains one of Africa’s most recognisable football figures.

“Mohamed Salah is a top-class player. He has been at the top for a very long time, and we will certainly have to study how to stop him and stop the Egyptian national team.”

Australia focused on tactical preparation

The defender revealed Australia have already started detailed preparations for the encounter, with the coaching staff working on plans to contain Egypt’s attack.

“We have already started working on it, and what remains is to make some final touches and find out what is on the mind of the coach and the technical staff to help us implement it.”

The match is expected to draw major attention across Africa and the Arab world, with Egypt hoping Salah can inspire the nation to another memorable World Cup performance.

Australia, however, are aiming to frustrate the seven-time African champions and prove they can compete physically and tactically against one of the continent’s strongest sides.