Mario Fernandes (L) of Russia vies with Trezeguet of Egypt during a Group A match between Russia and Egypt at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 19, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Ga)
World Cup hosts Russia continued spectacular performances on Tuesday in their second World Cup group match with an impressive 3-1 over Egypt although Mohamed Salah returned to the pitch and worked really hard.
Russia now stand top of Group A on six points while Uruguay and Saudi Arabia take on each on Wednesday in the other Group A second round match.
The first goal came two minutes after beginning of the second half, when Russian Roman Zobnin's off-target shot was met by Egyptian captain Ahmed Fathi. The latter, disrupted by Artem Dzyuba, turned the ball backward into his own gate.
Then in the 59th minute, Mario Fernandes blitzed down the right and delivered the volley to Denis Cheryshev. The Villarreal left winger lashed it home. It was his third goal at the World Cup.
Two minutes later, Artem Dzyuba touched the ball with his chest, turned and prodded it into the bottom right corner of the net.
Fresh from a 5-0 rout of Saudi Arabia, Russia appeared aggressive at the beginning, trying to dominate the pitch and find some chances in the Egyptian half.
In the 18th minute, Cheryshev poked a shot from distance, only to see the ball flying over the bar. Meanwhile, with Russian defenders engaging, Liverpool forward Salah only touched the ball five times.
Egypt, eager for a victory in their sixth match at the finals, grew into the game gradually. Before the halftime stroke, Salah, receiving a low pass from Abdelshafy, swept a left-foot shot but missed the gate.
His first World Cup goal was in the second half, when he was brought down in the box. Egyptian players called for VAR before the judge ruled for a penalty. Salah sent the ball into the net.
After 17 matches, the World Cup has already seen 10 penalties.
But the goal alone was not enough to shift the balance.
