Uruguay were made to work overtime before finally edging a late 1-0 win over Egypt in their opening Group A contest in Ekaterinburg. Defender Jose Gimenez was the unlikely hero with a towering last-minute winning header after Egypt had impressed with their organisation.
Star forwards Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez were largely starved of opportunities, although the former hit the post with a free-kick, as Uruguay finished strongly.
Egypt’s star forward Mohamed Salah failed to make an appearance after injury and the Pharaohs’ Russia 2018 opener ended on a sour note.
*Team Reporter Analysis
The FIFA Team reporter with Egypt Belal Mustafa said that the defensive tactics of Coach Hector Cuper reduced Cavani’s and Saurez’s strength up front.
“Egypt’s match against Uruguay was headed for a draw until Uruguay finally broke the deadlock. The Pharaohs held their opponents away from goal due to the defensive focus of coach Hector Cuper, which succeeded in reducing the danger of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez.
“However, the attack was not completely absent from the Egyptian team, despite the absence of Mo Salah.” He said.
While team reporter lorencia Simoes with Uruguay described Uruguay’s earlier play as a struggle.
he said: “Uruguay struggled to break down a well-organised Egypt side until the latter stages. The Uruguayans had more of the ball, trying to use the flanks, but it failed to pay dividends until the last part of the match. _La Celeste suffered more than expected, but were able to win a World Cup opening match for the first time since Mexico 1970.”
Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy was made Budweiser Man of the Match as he made a couple of key saves to leave the Pharoahs close to earning a result.
The late Gimenez winner saw Uruguay end a 48-year drought of failing to win their opening match of a World Cup campaign.
Both teams will play their next matches as scheduled: Russia v Egypt – Group A, 19 June, St Petersburg
Uruguay v Saudi Arabia – 20 June, Rostov-on-Don
(FIFA)
