Egypt lose 1-0 to Uruguay in first Match

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

A late strike by Uruguay ended Egypt’s hope of getting a draw in their first match at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Jose Gimenez struck in the 89th minute to give Uruguay all three points and send them to second in Group A, with Russia leading with a superior goal difference.

Carlos Sanchez floated over a free-kick from the right, and Jose Gimenez rose above two defenders to plant a header into the corner. Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay’s 71-year-old head coach, sprung from the bench like a teenager.

Uruguay had mounted pressure on the Egyptian side before it paid of on 89 minutes.

Shortly before the goal, Edinson Cavani hit a beauty over the wall, and it bounced off the inside of the post. Martin Caceres looked certain to score on the follow-up – only to hit team-mate Carlos Sanchez.

Earlier on, Egypt’s 45-year old keeper, Mohamed El-Shenawy produced the save of the match. Luis Suarez teed up the ball perfectly for Edinson Cavani to wallop first time. It was heading for the top corner until the keeper flung up an arm to make the stop.

Uruguay took a deserved lead on 89th minute after Egypt’s goalkeeper had saved from Luiz Suarez and thwarted their effort to score.

Egypt had no single corner kick, with Uruguay having five corners and enjoyed possession all throughout the match.