To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Russia Smash Egypt To All But Qualify From The Group

Russia Smash Egypt To All But Qualify From The Group

The World Cup hosts were expected to struggle in the tournament but have a goal difference of plus seven after two games.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

World Cups are always better if the hosts stay in longer and it's almost certain that Russia will be in the knockout stages of their World Cup after beating Egypt in their second game.

The first half on Tuesday night was a pretty dull affair with Egypt unable to get Mo Salah involved, with the Liverpool forward playing his first game since he went off injured in the Champions League final.

In the second half 15 minutes changed the game completely with Ahmed Fathy's calamitous own goal putting Russia ahead, Denis Cheryshev making it 2-0 12 minutes later and Artem Dzyuba adding a third three minutes after that.

Just as all seemed loss for Salah and the rest of the Egyptians the Premier League's top scorer last season was brought down outside the area for a free kick but a check with VAR proved the incident continued inside the area and it was a penalty.

True to form Salah slotted home the spot kick for his first World Cup goal after 73 minutes but it was to be just a consolation as the hosts continued their dominance.

The result means that with a goal advantage of plus seven and six points in the bank it's highly unlikely that Russia won't go through to the last 16.

Dzyuba celebrates Russia's third. Image: PA Images
Dzyuba celebrates Russia's third. Image: PA Images

A win for Uruguay over Saudi Arabia on Wednesday afternoon would see both the South Americans and the hosts go through with Egypt and the Saudis being knocked out with a game to go.

Going into the World Cup there were fears that hosts Russia would be one of, if not the, worst hosts of a tournament that we'd had as they entered the competition as the lowest ranked side at 70th in the world.

Salah after his goal. Image: PA Images
Salah after his goal. Image: PA Images

In the opening game last Thursday they embarrassed Saudi Arabia and the FIFA rankings by beating the side three places above them 5-0.

Their big game though would be the match with Egypt as they and the Africans were both expected to lose to Uruguay and beat the Saudis meaning the winner of their game would likely go through.

After an incredible season for Salah it really has ended on sour notes with the Champions League final and the World Cup.

For Russia the party continues.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Russia 2018, egypt, World Cup news, World Cup, Mo Salah, Russia

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

X

@Sidler28