Mohamed Salah’s return to the lineup dominated the prematch talk, but it was Russia’s dominance that became the story on Tuesday afternoon.
A trio of second half goals proved more than enough for the hosts, who took down Salah’s Egypt, 3-1, on Tuesday. The win all but puts Russia into the knockout round with six points and a plus-seven goal differential from their first two matches. Egypt, meanwhile, is all but eliminated with the loss barring a miracle.
Russia jumped into the lead just a minute into the second half on a bizarre goal. Following a clearance, a hopeful ball in was fired in the direction of Egypt defender Ahmed Fathi. The fullback was bumped by Artem Dyzuba as he looked to clear the ball, firing the ball into his own net as he fell to give Russia the lead.
The hosts doubled that lead in the 59th minute on a goal from Denis Cheryshev, whose finish was his third of the tournament. The Russian winger finished on an assist from Mario Fernandes, who fired a pass just outside of the six-yard box to allow Cheryshev to finish first-time.
Three minutes later, it was 3-0 as Dyzuba scored his second of the tournament to all but eliminate Egypt.
While the first half was fairly uneventful, there were some dangerous moments for both sides with most of that danger coming from out wide. The best look was likely a shot from Salah, who turned and curled an effort just wide of the post from just outside the box.
Salah was able to get on the board eventually, though, burying a spot kick that proved little more than consolation.
Russia concludes the group stage against favorites Uruguay in their final match of the round while Egypt will look to pick up the team’s first points against Saudi Arabia.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Cheryshev continues his rise as the Russian winger was the standout once again.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
Russia’s third goal all but ended any hopes of Egypt’s comeback as Dyzuba locked up the hosts’ win.
MATCH TO FORGET
Fathi was quite unfortunate on the own goal, but it was a moment that put his side’s back against the wall in a must-win match.
My guess would be they’re doped to the gills on EPO and exogenous T much like cyclists so often have been…I have yet to see a single Russian look the slightest bit tired and in fact they barely even seem to sweat.
Big problem with the Russian team is, they’re all based in Russia, too, so it’s not like club drug testing would expose the problem.
My other guess would be, WADA won’t be able to get near these guys for the next few days…EPO is gone from the body in 10 days but its effects last almost a month…more than enough time for the Russians to finish the Cup.
Ranked 70th in the World ?
One of the lowest ranked team in the Tournament
Beat ??Saudi Arabi 5 – 0 ?
Beat ??Egypt 3 – 1 convincingly ?
Eight goals in 2 matches ?
……..Just like the ??Russian Olympians THEY ALL NEED TO GO THROUGH A DRUG TEST ‼️ I know ranking doesn’t really show the level of a team but …..damn ‼️ ‼️