Foxe’s message is clear: Australia must respect Salah without allowing him to dominate the entire game plan.
“You have to respect that and you have to acknowledge that there are some talented players,” Foxe said. “And then you might play a way where you can force them into a wide area or an area where he is not getting a lot of the ball in between the lines.”
That points towards a disciplined defensive structure rather than an impulsive man-marking assignment. Australia will need to close central spaces, protect the full-back on Salah’s side and avoid giving him the freedom to receive between the lines.
Salah remains Egypt’s headline name, but Foxe warned against reducing the contest to one player.
“They're a tough team. They play as a team. A lot of their players play in their local league, but their local league is strong,” he said.
That collective identity could make Egypt dangerous even if Salah is limited or unavailable. Omar Marmoush is another attacking threat, while Australia must also be ready for Egypt’s midfield control and ability to shift the ball patiently.
Salah’s status could influence Australia’s wide defensive choices, but the broader priority will be balance. Overcommitting to one opponent could create space for Egypt’s other attackers.
When the teams meet in Arlington, the first storyline will be the team sheets and Salah’s mobility. The bigger test will be whether Australia can contain Egypt’s collective threat and earn a place in the quarter-finals.