Sports
#WorldCup: Salah benched as Egypt lose 0-1 to Uruguay
Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah was an unused substitute as Egypt fell 1-0 to Uruguay in a 2018 FIFA World Cup Group A encounter at the Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg in Russia on Friday.
An 89th-minute header by Jose Gimenez gave the South Americans the victory, as they sit on second spot in the Group behind Russia.
Carlos Sanchez floated over a free-kick from the right, and Gimenez rose above two defenders to plant the header into the corner of the post.
Liverpool star Salah, who emerged best player of the Premier League in the just-concluded season, has not played since injuring his shoulder ligaments during the UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid on May 26.
He watched on from the bench as his national side battled their opponents with no goal to show for their commendable efforts.
Read Also: Morocco not giving up, intends to bid for 2030 FIFA W’Cup
Goalkeeper Essam el-Hadary, 45, who is set to become the oldest goalkeeper to play at the FIFA World Cup, was also an unused substitute; as Mohamed El-Shenawy played throughout the game, and was fantastic between the sticks.
Al Ahly forward, Marwan Mohsen, and Arsenal midfielder, Mohamed Elneny, were also outstanding for the Hector Cuper side, who were playing their first game at the mundial in 28 years.
Uruguay could have scored more goals as Barcelona’s Luis Suarez and Paris St-Germain’s Edinson Cavani proved a thorn in the flesh for the Pharaohs.
Both players led the attack of their side, but missed several clear chances before Gimenez helped secure their boasting rights.
As it stands, hosts Russia now top the Group A with 3 points after they thrashed Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening game on Thursday, while Uruguay follow in second, Egypt on third and Saudi at the bottom.
Goal scorer Giménez
 
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