It was game Egypt could not afford to lose and they started off the game looking like a team under pressure.
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The Egyptians gave the ball away several times early in the first half and nearly gifted Russia two early goals.
The Russians however failed to capitalise and Egypt slowly started to settle their nerves.
Despite settling into the game they struggled to deal with Russia who made them absorb a lot of pressure.
Russia constantly looked dangerous when driving forward but failed to put much on target.
It was a similar story for Egypt in their brief periods moving forward, with Salah looking the likeliest to score for his side.
In the end the half ended scoreless.
Early in the second half though, Egypt’s luck ran out.
A bizarre own goal by Ahmed Fathy gave Russia the lead and put Egypt in a really bad spot.
Then shortly after some poor defending allowed Mario Fernandes to cut the ball back in the box for Denis Cheryshev to place the ball into the back of the net.
That was Cheryshev’s third goal of the competition.
Three minutes later Russia bagged their third, as some good control in the box off a long ball by Artem Dzyuba saw him control the ball well, bring it down and place it into the net.
Salah restored some hope and pride for Egypt, winning a penalty and converting it well.
It was the first goal Egypt had scored in this World Cup and first one Russia had conceded.
It would just be a consolation goal in the end, as Egypt’s hopes at a Round of 16 places were dashed.
Host-nation Russia on the other hand booked a much-deserved place in the next round. The next match in Group A takes place on Thursday morning as Uruguay take on Saudi Arabia.
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cantab
Guest
Yes you’re right, though maximum points Saudi and Uruguay could get is 6 each. But as yousay both teams would need to beat Russia on goal difference.
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
Have they booked their place in the last 16 though? It's unlikely, but isn't there still a slight chance that Russia might not qualify if Uruguay beat them in their final group match, and Saudi Arabia win both their remaining games? That would put three teams on 6 points, with goal difference deciding which team goes through. As I say, it's unlikely, especially given Russia's 7 goal advantage in the GD column, and the hapless manner in which the Saudis played their opening match, but it could happen...
MQ
Guest
I expected stiffer opposition from Egypt, but Russia was superb in the 2nd half, and put Egypt under enormous pressure those first 15 minutes or so. Defensive lapses caused the first and third goal (Dzyuba should not have been allowed such a clear shot on goal, but he took it expertly when it came). The second goal was beautifully set up, showed really good understanding between the Russians, good ball control and Cheryshev worked himself into the best position with a perfectly timed run to nail his third goal of the tournament.