JOSE GIMENEZ’S HEADER HELPS URUGUAY BEAT EGYPT
CLOSE CALL Late header from Jose Gimenez denies Egypt a point as coach Cuper keeps Salah on bench in their opener
MOSCOW: It was supposed to be Mohamed Salah’s grand World Cup entry as Egypt took on Uruguay in their opener at the Ekaterinburg Arena, nearly 1800 km from here, on Friday.
Instead, Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez stole the show with a late header to seal a 1-0 win for the two-time world champions that will leave Egypt ruing a rare blip late in the game.
In a game of few chances, both teams began cautiously. Salah, who coach Hector Cuper had indicated would play, remained on the bench throughout.
When Salah appeared on the stadium giant screen, a huge roar went up from the stands. Salah acknowledged with a smile.
Compact at the back, Egypt hushed Uruguay supporters by snuffing out their attacks in the opening minutes.
When Luis Suarez hit the sidenetting in the 25th minute, fans started celebrating only to realise a moment later that the ball hadn’t gone in.
The frustration on Oscar Tabarez’s face was apparent and he became increasingly animated as the minutes passed.
The supply line to Uruguay’s attack was cut off by Egypt’s tight, narrow formation and Rodrigo Bentancur was quickly closed down every time he had the ball.
A few minutes before halftime, Edinson Cavani was hovering near his defence in search of the ball; such was the quality of service.
Uruguay began the second half on a better note.
Less than a minute after resumption, Cavani, who had momentarily dropped down to midfield, played an appetizing 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 suddenly 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.