Preview: Egypt vs Uruguay; Can Mo Salah inspire the Pharaohs to victory?
Russia and Saudi Arabia played the first match of the World Cup 2018 last night. Group A action continues as Egypt come up against mighty Uruguay.
Match Information
Location: Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg, Russia
Date: June 15th, 2018
Time: 12:00pm(GMT)/3:00pm(local time)
World Cup Preparations
Egypt: The Pharaohs required to experiment with their lineup as there was uncertainty over Salah’s participation. In their three friendly, they managed to draw 2 and lost their last one to Belguim. It’s worrying signs for Egypt as they scored only one goal in the absence of Mo Salah.
Uruguay: The South Americans just got time to play one match before making the trip to Russia. They came up against Uzbekistan and managed to beat them comfortably with a 3-0 scoreline. Uruguay comes into the tournament with a strong form – winning five out of their last 7 matches, losing none.
Players to Watch
Mo Salah – All eyes will be on the Egypt camp on whether or not Salah will start. He swept almost every individual award in the Premier League and took Liverpool to the Champions League Final. Unfortunately, he hurt his shoulder in the game against Real Madrid and doubts were raised on his World Cup participation. Egypt’s manager, Héctor Cúper believes that he will be fit for his country’s opening game.
More from World Cup
- A World Cup of firsts proves future of women’s soccer is bright
- Spain win the Women’s World Cup
- USWNT underperforms but squeaks through to knockout rounds
- Dutch expose USWNT’s vulnerabilities in 1-1 draw
- Australia forced to start World Cup campaign without Sam Kerr
Luis Suarez – This guy needs no introduction. The Barcelona striker is one of the best strikers in the world without doubt. He is also Uruguay’s top goal scorer, scoring 51 goals in 98 appearances. Suarez has been in good form recently, scoring 31 goals in 51 games last season. The Sky Blues will be banking on him to provide the goals this Friday.
Past Meetings
Uruguay and Egypt have met each other once previously. In 2006, the Sky Blues managed to pick an easy 2-0 victory. Their current captain, Diego Godin scored the opening goal in the match. Eg
Possible lineups
Egypt: El Hadary; Abdel-Shafi, Gabr, Hegazy, Ahmed Fathi, Hamed, Elneny, Sobhi/Salah, Said, Warda; Mohsen
Uruguay: Muslera; Caceres, Gimenez, Godin, Pereira; Bentancur, Torreira; Rodriguez, Arrascaeta, Suarez; Cavani
Betting Odds
Egypt Win: 8/1
Uruguay Win: 4/9
Draw: 3/1
Next: 2026 World Cup: North America to host 48-team World Cup
Final Prediction – Egypt 1 Uruguay 3
The Pharaohs needs Mo Salah to be fit if they are to have any chance to beat Uruguay. But the Sky Blues have more than enough talent to pick up three points on Friday.