FT World Cup Summary: Heartbreak for Salah- less Egypt as Uruguay snatch late win

African giants Egypt were beaten by Uruguay in their first World Cup match in Group A.

“The Pharaohs” were missing their star player Mohamed Salah, who was expected to start the match but was surprisingly left on the bench by coach Hector Cuper. The coach cited that Salah was not 100% fit hence he didn’t want to risk the player by fielding him as he tries to recover from his shoulder injury.

Jose Maria Gimenez was the man to break the Egyptians’ hearts with a last-gasp winner in a thrilling encounter. His powerful 87th-minute header was enough to finally break through the Egyptian goal after an impressive Mohammed El Shenawy who dominated between the posts for Egypt.

Egypt was very organized during the match, giving Le Celeste a difficult time to penetrate and capitalize on any of their chances.

Barcelona marksman Luis Suarez and PSG forward Edinson Cavani were both kept in check by the North African giant's defense marshaled by Hegazi.

After holding on for almost 90 minutes, Egypt finally succumbed to Uruguay’s persistence. Egypt gave away a needless freekick which allowed substitute Carlos Sanchez to step up and provide a well-delivered cross which was met by the towering Gimenez. By that moment, the game was as good as over as Uruguay held on for the win in the referee’s remaining added time.

Next up for “The Pharaos” is World Cup hosts Russia on Tuesday evening. Many will be pleased to see Mohamed Salah starting the match to fire up the Egyptians in the final third where they were obviously lacking that much-needed spark. Defensively, the team seems to be well disciplined as they were able to minimize the threat of both Cavani and Suarez. Egyptian fans will be content with that part of their team. Keeper El Shenawy also made crucial saves and his height will come in handy for the team in the next couple of matches.