Uruguayans escape to victory
CLOSE CALL Late header from Jose Gimenez denies Egypt a point as coach Cuper keeps Salah on bench in their opener
pass to Suarez.
Through on goal but with Egypt custodian Mohamed El-shenawy rushing out, Suarez’s shot had pace and accuracy. An outstretched El-shenawy, however, had already anticipated the shot and produced a fine save.
For the next few minutes, Egypt had more of the ball but the seven-time African champions couldn’t make much of it.
On the hour mark, Tabarez took off Giorgian de Arrascaeta for Cristian Rodriguez. He also replaced Nahitan Nandez with Carlos Sanchez. The injection of pace though did little to disturb Egypt’s organisation at the back.
Calls for Salah grew from the stands but Cuper remained unperturbed.
Egypt had been in control so far and maybe that was why the Argentine tactician decided against giving his star forward game time.
When, approaching the final quarter, Suarez missed again, it seemed like Uruguay had played all their cards and began looking frustrated.
Then, in the 83rd minute, Cavani let fly from distance. It produced an acrobatic save by El-shenawy but the game sud- denly changed after that.
A couple of minutes later, Diego Godin attempted a header that lacked power. Soon after, Cavani was felled outside the box and his free-kick hit the upright. Seconds later, Uruguay won another free-kick near the corner-flag on the right.
This time, a pinpoint delivery from Sanchez was met with a firm header by Gimenez.
Egyptian hearts sank as the Uruguay contingent celebrated wildly, more out of relief than joy.
The cameras pointed at Salah again. This time, he wasn’t smiling. Gimenez 89'