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AAP
AAP
Sport
Anna Harrington

Socceroos veer left to get it right at World Cup

Aziz Behich (r) produced a fine performance for the Socceroos at left wing-back against Paraguay. (Jason Henry/AAP PHOTOS)

The Socceroos played their surprise selection card to devastating effect against Paraguay.

Now, wing-backs Jordan Bos and Aziz Behich will want to show Egypt that it wasn't a one-off party trick as Australia seek an elusive World Cup knockout win.

Australia will play the world No.29 in Arlington, Texas on Friday (Saturday AEST) after Egypt finished runner-up in Group G.

All eyes will be on Egypt star Mohamed Salah, who was injured against Iran and had ice on his left hamstring, and looms as the difference maker.

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A post shared by CommBank Socceroos (@socceroos)

But Egypt will be having their own nightmares thinking about how to contain Feyenoord defender Bos, who is fresh off a breakout game on the World Cup stage.

Against Paraguay, coach Tony Popovic played Behich at left wing-back and shuffled Bos over to the right, due to Jacob Italiano's tournament-ending groin injury.

It paid off in devastating fashion, with Behich holding down the left while Bos turned in a scintillating performance down the right, showing off his incredible athleticism, dribbling and cutting onto his dangerous left foot.

"He's a great player as well," Behich said.

"You can see the growth he's had over the last few years, and obviously what he's done at club level.

"And he showed again (against Paraguay) what he can do, and especially playing on the opposite side than what he's used to.

"With him, it's no surprise - we get to train every day together, and you see what players can do, and he had a great game."

Popovic could be tempted to restore Bos to the left against Egypt, which would likely mean calling on a player like Jason Geria on the right.

But having a left-footer on each flank - with Bos cutting in from the right, gave Australia a different look, while he also combined well with left-footed attacker Cristian Volpato.

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A post shared by Aziz Behich (@azizbehich)

"We're both similar type of fullbacks that love to get forward," Behich said.

"So I think having that can cause a lot of problems for opposition teams."

Most importantly, the Socceroos, who have a day off on Saturday, will know they cannot afford to butcher the chances the likes of Bos can create.

"We showed glimpses," Bos said post-match.

"I could have scored a couple. From now on, if everyone puts their best foot forward and we get chances, we just have to finish it.

"The sky's our limit."

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