Socceroos chase World Cup history as Salah looms

But when asked about the prospect of making history against Egypt, whose hamstrung star Mohamed Salah is set to feature at some point, Popovic calmed things down.

"We can't overthink that and be caught up by the occasion. We have to really stay in the moment. The history gets made after the game," Popovic said.

"We have to do our part during the match, whether that's 90 minutes, extra time or penalties, to create that history.

"I'm expecting the game to be even more difficult than what we've had so far, because it is a knockout game and with respect to Egypt as well.

"But I also feel that we can play better and tomorrow's a chance to do that. And if we perform very well, we have a chance to make history.

"That's what we're working towards and I think the players are ready, they're relaxed, and tomorrow if we put on a top performance, then it gives us a chance to make that history."

Popovic was asked about jerseys of past Socceroos that had hung in the team hotel and were used to inspire the players.

"We have a lot of respect for Australian football history. Especially for the younger players, to understand the pioneers that put Australian football on their back," Popovic said.

"Those jerseys are reminders for them to remember the photos of past teams that have had success.

"This group's already made history. The way they performed getting through the group, history has already been made.

"We have a chance tomorrow to make further history, but this group will already go down in history.

"And regardless of tomorrow, their photo, the team photo, will proudly be up on any wall and, in particular, it will be on mine."

Egypt's superstar captain Salah is set to push through a hamstring strain and play, but could be limited to a role off the bench, says coach Hossam Hassan.

Salah, comfortably Egypt's biggest name, was forced out of the final group match against Iran in the second half.

The brilliant attacker, 34, trained with his teammates in the portion of Egypt training that was open to media on Thursday.

"Salah is a passionate player; he is very much looking forward to making his own contributions with his teammates tomorrow," Hassan said through an interpreter."But of course, I am not going to run any risk unless I am sure that he is 100 per cent sure of the fact that he is fit and raring to go tomorrow."We look forward to him playing tomorrow, not sure though whether he is going to be in the starting line-up.

"... Based on my choices, I am planning to have him in the match, whether in the starting lineup or at a later stage."

It was always hard to see Egypt resting Salah altogether, given the Socceroos match is the biggest in the country's history.

The magical Salah scored 257 goals and notched 120 assists for Liverpool in a trophy-laden stint across 442 appearances.

"Yes, we've prepared for obviously Mohamed Salah playing," Popovic said.

"We've seen when he's not on the pitch, the players that are in those positions where he may play.

"So we've prepared for both scenarios and we'll see tomorrow.

"They have a couple of individuals that can turn the game on their own, and we're aware of that."

The winner will face either reigning champions Argentina or minnows Cape Verde in the round of 16.