The hosts of 2018 World Cup made a huge step towards the knock-out round of the competition beating Egypt. Mohamed Salah finally featured in the starting line up. Thus the game in Saint-Petersburg became the first ever player's game at the World Cup final tournament.
However, Russians deservedly stole his show. In the first half Salah was barely visible, although on the whole Egypt was on the same level with the home side. But it all turned upside down after the break. An owned goal by Fathi, who deflected a ball into his own net was a blow that Egypt never recovered. They tried to gain momentum again, but Russia was just unstoppable.
When Cheryshev made it 2-0 it became relatively clear the home side will win. Remarkably, Cheryshev and another hero of Saudi Arabia thrashing Dzyuba were now the starters, not substitutes. Both scored their goals to make the Pharaohs hopes tiny to put it mildly. A loss would mean that Salah & Co would be out of the world cup. The only thing Mo managed to do was to score a goal after a penalty.
It turned out to be only a consolation goal. There might be another penalty for Egypt but in the end Russia got the three points they deserved and now only miracle will prevent them from qualifying to the round of 16.
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