Tuesday and Wednesday provided the second matches for 2018 FIFA World Cup’s Group A. Russia and Egypt played to a relatively close game until the host nation exploded in the second half. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia had a lackluster match but with implications for multiple teams.
Russia
Russia and Egypt kicked off the second round of group stage matches. After tearing apart Saudi Arabia in their first match, Russia now had the opportunity to lock up their knockout round berth. Egypt now had Mohamed Salah back from injury, hoping he could create opportunities in his World Cup debut after a narrow loss to Uruguay.
First Half
Beginning the first half, the control was all in Russia’s hands. They began pinning Egypt back in their own half and putting pressure in the box.
However, it was Egypt that created the first legitimate shot of the match. After a pass from Abdallah El Sai in the 16th minute, Trezeguet sent a right footed shot from the left side of the box just wide.
Not long after, Russia’s Denis Cheryshev sent a shot just over the crossbar.
Salah’s best chance of the match came in the 42nd minute, sending a left footed shot from inside the box just to the left of the post.
Second Half
The second half quickly went in Russia favor.
A shot from Roman Zobnin in the 47th minute took a redirect from Ahmed Fathy, who was trying to clear the ball, resulting in an own goal against Egypt.
The scoring would continue for Russia, again in the 59th minute. This time it was Denis Cheryshev for his third goal of the World Cup.
The Egyptian defense was vulnerable and Russia capitalized again in the 62nd minute. Artem Dzyuba got past defenders in the box and finished with a right footed strike.
Egypt’s lone goal came after a penalty was awarded from Zobnin taking down Salah, who then converted.
After the final whistle, Russia had won 3-1 and outscored their opponents 8-1 in their first two matches.
Uruguay
http://gty.im/979520620
Both teams with two different fates. Uruguay with a chance to lock up a spot in the knockout rounds and Saudi Arabia attempting to keep themselves alive after a 5-0 beatdown to Russia.
A relatively close opening for both sides, Saudi Arabia looked to be competitive. The only question would be how long would they be able to keep the pace up and would they be able to break through against the Uruguay defense.
It was Uruguay who broke the game open in the 23rd minute. Carlos Sanchez crossed the ball into the box on a corner kick. The ball flew just over the head of the defenders and to the feet of Luis Suarez, who simply touched the ball into the back of the net.
Saudi Arabia would go on to slow the game down a bit and succeeded in not giving Uruguay opportunities at goal. Failing to make crisp passes would kill potential attacks.
In all, the first half was close.
Second Half
The second half opened with most of the play being in Saudi Arabia’s defensive end. Uruguay nearly doubled their lead in the 62nd minute with after Edinson Cavani, who looked very patient before making his next move, sent in a cross that connected with a head from Carlos Sanchez. The header sailed high, dispelling any danger.
Cavani and Co. would have several opportunities to begin attacks but would result in another dispossession. Neither side had success much success, with Saudi Arabia only putting two shots (one on goal).
By holding onto this victory, Uruguay clinched their spot into the knockout rounds. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, will be done after their third group stage match.
After the results, Russia and Uruguay sealed their spots into the World Cup knockout rounds. Egypt and Saudi Arabia, who will play each other in their third group stage match, will be done for the tournament. Russia and Uruguay will go head to head to decide seeding.