Sports

Egypt, Saudi Arabia knocked out as Uruguay join Russia in second round

Published

6 years ago

June 20, 2018

Ben Ugbana

Another Africa’s representatives Egypt have been knocked out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup race following Saudi Arabia’s 1-0 defeat to Uruguay in a Group A clash on Wednesday.

The Pharaohs earned a second straight defeat on Tuesday when they fell 3-1 to hosts Russia, having already been beaten 1-0 in their first game against Uruguay.

Saudi could have kept the group open if they had won over Uruguay, but their slim loss – together with their opening 5-0 defeat in the opener against Russia – have rendered them out.

They and Hector Cuper’s side become the second and third teams to confirm their exit from the mundial behind Morocco who crashed out after being edged 1-0 by Portugal earlier on Wednesday.

Uruguay won the game early in the 23rd minute after a goalkeeping howler by Saudi’s Mohammed Alowais was seized by Luis Suarez.

The keeper came off his line to try and claim a corner but the ball sails over his head and drops onto the foot of Suarez, who struck into an open net – a goal on his 100th international game.

There were several chances for both sides after wards, although more for Uruguay, but the game went on to full time without any more goal.

The win for the South Americans sealed their place in the second round of the tournament.

They and Russia become the first teams to seal their spots in the round of 16 following their attainment of unassailable 6 points respectively in Group A.

The final games of the group will determine which team end up as winners – and which end up as runners-up.

Russia will battle Uruguay while Egypt will face Saudi Arabia.

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now