Saudi beats Egypt and ’keeper, 45
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA — The oldest person to play in a World Cup soccer match let in a pair of goals Monday despite some spectacular saves.
Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who is 45, took the field for his team’s final group match to set the record. Although he saved one penalty, he couldn’t stop Saudi Arabia from beating Egypt, 2-1, in a game between two teams that had already been eliminated.
Salem Aldawsari scored with almost the last kick of the match for the Saudis, shooting from a tight angle inside the Egypt penalty area and poking the ball past El Hadary.
Mohamed Salah had put Egypt ahead in the 22nd minute when he deftly controlled a long ball from Abdalla Said that split the Saudi defence and then lobbed over goalkeeper Yasser Almosailem. It was Egypt’s first goal in open play at the World Cup since 1934.
Salman Alfaraj got the Saudis level with a penalty kick in firsthalf stoppage time after Ali Gabr brought down Fahad Almuwallad in the area.
Saudi Arabia finished Group A in third place with three points, while Egypt was last after losing all three of its games.
Almuwallad had earlier missed a chance to equalize when El Hadary saved his penalty.
El Hadary was unable to repeat the feat when Alfaraj lined up against him at the end of the half, going the wrong way.