2018 FIFA World Cup: Russia vs Egypt preview
2018 FIFA World Cup hosts Russia cruised in their first match with a 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. Tonight, they would face Egypt in their second encounter of the tournament. Egypt put in a brilliant shift against highly regarded Uruguay but were denied a point after a 90th-minute goal. So who holds the edge today? Here is our complete preview
Mo Salah deemed fit to play
Salah has been declared fit ahead of the crunch fixture and coach Hector Cuper is optimistic about his star striker playing the game. Salah was in sensational form this season with Liverpool. He found the back of the net 44 times in 2017/18. However, he had to watch his side fall to a 1-0 defeat, against Uruguay, from the bench.
All eyes will be on Egypt star Mo Salah
Mo Salah was Egypt's top scorer in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with five goals in five appearances. He will look to end his country's goal drought at the World Cup. The Pharaohs have failed to score a goal in their last three World Cup matches. Egypt's last goal was scored by Magdy Adbelghani in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in 1990.
Must win game if Egypt have to keep hopes alive
This will be the first meeting between these two teams. Salah will try to help his side win their first game at the World Cup. Egypt have lost 3 and drawn 2 games so far. No African side has played as many World Cup games without a win. Egypt have just one clean sheet at the World Cup against Ireland in 1990.
Russia could be without two major stars
Russia could be without their star attacking mid-fielder Alan Dzagoev after he suffered a hamstring in the opening game. Veteran left-back Yuri Zhirkov too has a minor ankle problem but is likely to be deemed fit to play.
Can Salah put the brakes on smooth sailing Russia?
A victory against Salah and his men will take Russia into the knock-out stage, for the first time, in 25+ years. They last qualified to the Round of 16 as Soviet Union in 1986. Will Russia become the first team to qualify for the knock-outs? Will Salah and company put the brakes on the smooth sailing Russians? An interesting encounter is on the cards.
