FIFA World Cup 2018: Hosts Russia inch closer to Round of 16 after thrashing Egypt

Jun 20, 2018 at 7:42 AM

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FIFA World Cup 2018: Hosts Russia inch closer to Round of 16 after thrashing Egypt

Mohamed Salah’s penalty failed to save Egypt as World Cup hosts Russia inch closer to round of 16 after defeating Egypt by 3-1.

The host nation will qualify on Wednesday providing Saudi Arabia fail to beat Uruguay.

A goalless first half was played out in an incredible atmosphere at the rocking St Petersburg Stadium. Sergey Ignashevich, Aleksandr Golovin and Denis Cheryshev had attempts for Russia during a bright start as Egypt took time to find their feet.

Trezeguet had the North African side’s best chance of the opening period. But, Salah’s gradual improvement will have heartened them. The Liverpool star sent a reaction shot just wide as the break approached.

But within two minutes of the restart the Egyptian side’s hard work was undone by a cruel moment. A poor punch by goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy saw Roman Zobnin try his luck from distance. Then skipper Fathy inadvertently turning the ball into his own goal while attempting to clear.

Cheryshev fired home to doubled the hosts’ lead just before the hour after some neat team play. Salah was blocked by Mario Fernandes as Egypt looked to respond.

Dzyuba impressively brought down a ball up to him and continued to hit a low shot past El-Shenawy to surely end this as a contest. But the video assistant referee helped provide a lifeline for Egypt in the 73rd minute.

Salah was initially adjudged to have been taken down outside the box. But the VAR corrected the decision and the Liverpool forward smashed home from the spot. Still, his effort came in a losing cause for Egypt, with the hosts making it two wins from two to close in on a place in the next round.

The teams play their final group games on Monday, with Russia facing Uruguay and Egypt against Saudi Arabia.

FT: Russia 3-1 Egypt
Fathy 47′ (og) | Cheryshev 59′ | Dzyuba 62′ | Salah 73′ (pen)

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