Just Four Things: Russia Vs. Egypt

Credits: Team Russia

Russia Blitz Opened Match Up (With Some Help)

From kick-off, the tempo of the match was in full swing. In the first 15 minutes, Russia looked the most threatening and did well to trouble the Egypt backline. Egypt looked sloppy early on and Russia was hoping to take advantage, but somehow failed to do so. Egypt themselves also had a good shot going forward, but they also couldn’t get anything

Both sides were lurking at each other’s goal, but no one seemed to set to break the deadlock. That is until Russia were handed a slice of luck four minutes after the restart. Golovin’s mishit shot was guided into net by Egypt captain Ahmed Fathy and that had re-energized the Russia team to retake control

Mario Fernandes had the ball rolling, doing well to run towards the goal-line to cutback for Denis Cheryshev for a goal and Artem Dzyuba using his physicality to win the ball and got a goal for himself that completed the 13-minute goal-fest. By the time Egypt finally regained momentum, it was too late. Russia’s mission is accomplished and they’re in the Round of 16.

Salah Left Wanting

All eyes were on Egypt’s sensational forward, Mohamed Salah as he starts after recovering from a shoulder injury. He was deployed on the right-wing as an inverted winger. But it seems Egypt had another plan in mind despite having their talisman back.

Seems Egypt intend to attack mostly down on the left flank and it almost paid off when Mahmoud Trezeguet’s curler went narrowly wide early in the first half. However, Salah didn’t get enough supply of the ball; He only had 19 touches in the whole of the first half, the fewest of all Egypt players according to OptaJohan. When he did though, he showed glimpses of brilliance.

There was still time to salvage something when they were 3-0 down. In this case, you might have to get the ball to your best player a lot often than you should, but Egypt didn’t provide enough to Salah. Although Salah did get a consolation from the penalty spot and Ramadan Sobhi’s introduction provided some spark, the goal was all they got. They’re still mathematically have a chance to advance, but it’s out of their hands now.

Golovin & Cheryshev Remains Lively

Aleksandr Golovin earned plaudits after steering Russia to a 5-0 romp on Saudi Arabia with his hardwork, dynamism & intelligence that saw the host nation dominating the midfield. Here against Egypt, he successfully replicated his form as his work-rate was immense, helping out distributing the ball from the centre where he was positioned, or down on the wings. After all, it was his shot that lead to the opening goal.

Denis Cheryshev also repeated his heroics from the opening match, ghosting down the left flank and gave Fathy problems. His pacy movement allowed him to get into promising positions and that earned him another goal when he entered the box to tap-in Mario Fernandes’ cutback. No offence to Alan Dzagoev, but can you imagine what would’ve happened if he not gone off injured?

Dzyuba’s Presence Caused Problems

Artem Dzyuba also deserved credit too. Before his goal came, his very presence unnerved the Egypt central defensive pair of Ahmed Hegazi & Ali Gabr. They had so much trouble to keep the big centre-forward in check, especially when the service came in for him. His strong physique helped in dominating the final third. His presence alone caused Ahmed Fathy to accidentally sent the ball into his own net.

Mario Fernandes was again the catalyst when his long ball from inside his own half fell by the edge of Egypt’s box. Gabr initially won the ball, but Dzyuba quickly dispossessed him and duly finished excellently for Russia’s third. The 1.96 m tall striker had a job to do to create havoc inside Egypt’s box and did it well.

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