ESSAM EYES RECORD BID

EGYPT keeper Essam El-Hadary will become the oldest player in World Cup history if he plays tonight.

The veteran, who has 152 international caps from a 22-year career, has not played for the Pharaohs in this tournament, the No.1 spot filled by rival Mohamed El Shenawy.

But if boss Hector Cuper has a romantic streak, he will turn to the keeper who, at 45 years and 161 days old, will take a record set four years ago by Colombia’s Faryd Mondragon.

One player who is likely to start for Egypt is Liverpool striker Mo Salah.

And he will hope to take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s injury crisis. Three of their first-choice defenders are out as Egypt chase a first World Cup victory after unsuccessful attempts in 1934 and 1990.