Russia vs Egypt 20/06/18

20 June 2018

At the Saint-Petersburg Stadium, the host nation, Russia, will face off against the struggling Egypt team, hoping for a positive outcome that will bring them one step closer to the knockout stage. Although Stanislav Cherchesov’s side had gone through a rough period over the last ten months or so, the Sbornaya shined against Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in front of the home crowd, demolishing the Asian team by five goals to nil. Without their best player, Mohamed Salah, Egypt was forced to defend against Uruguay for the majority of the game that they’ve lost eventually, thanks to Jose Maria Gimenez’s headerin the final moments of the regular 90 minutes. A potential win would most certainly take Russia to the round of 16, while the Pharaohs have to go for all three points if looking to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive.

The injury of Alan Dzagoev in the first match has paved the way for Denis Cheryshev, who scored a brace after coming off the bench, and Villarreal forward should start from the first minute against Egypt, whose coach, Héctor Cúper, should be happy to see Mohamed Salah fit and ready after skipping the match against La Celeste.