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
was seen hovering near his own team’s defence in search of the ball; such was the quality of service to him.
Uruguay began the second half on a better note.
Less than a minute into the half, Cavani, who had momentarily dropped down to midfield put forth an appetizing pass to Suarez.
Through on goal but with Egypt custodian Mohamed El-Shenawy rushing out, Suarez’s shot had both pace and accuracy. An outstretched El-Shenawy, however, had already anticipated the shot and met it with a fine save.
For the next few minutes, Egypt had more of the ball. The seven-time African champions though couldn’t make much of the possession as Uruguay comfortably dealt with a couple of raids.
Calls for Salah grew from the stands but Cuper remained unperturbed.
In the 72nd minute, an Egypt counter-attack ended up with Ahmed Fathy attempting a longranger from 20 yards out. It was comfortably caught by Fernando Muslera in Uruguay’s goal.
A minute later, Suarez was through on goal again, and once again an alert El-Shenawy rushed out of his goal to deny the Barcelona forward.
It seemed like Uruguay had played all their cards as frustration grew in their ranks. There was little penetration and chances were at a premium.
Then in the 83rd minute, Cavani let fly from distance. His shot was met with an acrobatic shot by El-Shenawy.The game suddenly changed after Cavani’s attempt. A pinpoint delivery from Sanchez was met with a firm header by Gimenez. Egyptian hearts sank as the Uruguayan celebrated. Gimenez 89' Off target On target Off target On
target @SergioRamos ¡Llegó la hora! (The time has come!) Sergio Ramos, Spain defender
@esmuellert_ Follow me, @nsuele25 #esmuellert #WM18 #DieMannschaft #Worldcup2018
Thomas Muller, Germany forward
@KMbappe Kazan @equipedefrance
Kylian Mbappé, France forward
@MoSalah Every year and everyone is fine and merry Christmas to all of us... Mohamed Salah, Egypt forward
@MarcusRashford Stepping it up
Marcus Rashford, England striker, is preparing hard for the clash against Tunisia
@gabrieljesus33 Foque-se nos objetivos, esforce-se para lutar por eles e cultive fé para nunca desistir de os alcançar. (Focus on the goals, strive to fight for them and cultivate faith to never give up on achieving them.)
Gabriel Jesus, Brazil forward
@matshummels It’s finally on #WorldCup
Mats Hummels, Germany defender