Russia 2018: Uruguay pip Egypt 1-0

Uruguay snatched a late winner as they began their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic victory over Egypt

Jose Gimenez headed powerfully into the net in the 90th minute as he met Carlos Sanchez’s free-kick to give the South Americans a winning start in Russia.

Uruguay had been the better side as Luis Suarez had missed four chances and Edinson Cavani had hit the inside of a post with a 25-yard free-kick.

Salah, who scored 44 times for Liverpool this season was an unused substitute as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury sustained in last month’s UEFA Champions League final.

Without Salah, Egypt, though gave an excellent fight to Uruguay, lacked a cutting edge and had looked on course to earn a point in their first match at a World Cup finals since 1990 before Gimenez’s late goal.

They are now under pressure heading into their second with Russia, while Uruguay can breathe a sigh of relief.

The result means Russia are top of Group A after their 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the tournament’s opening game on Thursday.

  MATCH STATISTICS

3                                    shots on target                      4

2                                    shots off target                       6

44                                   possession (%)                      56

0                                     corners                                     5

1                                      offsides                                    1

12                                    fouls                                          6

2                                     yellow cards                            0

10                                  goal kicks                                 6

6                                    treatments                               0