Uruguay defeated high riding Russia to finish on top of the group while, Saudi Arabia made history against Egypt on the final group A day in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
England demolish Panama; Japan fight back to draw
Harry Kane and John Stones scored twice as England secured a place in the round of 16 with a 6-1 win against Panama while Japan…..
Suarez, Cavani lead Uruguay to top of group A
Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani scored as Uruguay defeated Russia 3-0 to top group A at the Samara Arena, Samara going into the Round of 16.
Uruguay got off the blocks the faster of the two sides, despite resting a couple of their key players in the mid-field and defense. Russia’s Yury Gazinski fouled birthday-boy Rodrigo Bentancur just outside the box in the 9th minute and Suarez stepped up and delivered for the men in blue.
Uruguay continued to attack and their efforts paid off for the 2nd time when midfielder Diego Laxalt’s shot ricochet off Denis Cheryshev into the back of the net.
Cheryshev had the chance to get on the board, but smashed his shot right at the Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera while an Artem Dyzuba header bounced over the bar. Right back Igor Smolnikov was sent off for after being booked for the 2nd time.
Half Time – Uruguay 2 – 0 Russia
It was much of the same in the 2nd half, with Uruguay creating more chances and threatening to put a few more past 10-man Russia. However, the Russian defense held strong against the onslaught.
Dzyuba was left alone up front and the big man managed several good runs but shots on goal were few and far between as the game slipped away.
Cavani put the icing on the cake for Uruguay in the 90th minute when he slotted home from close range to become only the 2nd Uruguay player (after Suarez) to score in 3 World Cups.
Full Time – Uruguay 3 – 0 Russia
Man of the Match – Luis Suarez
Goal Scorers
Uruguay – Luis Suarez 9’, Denis Cheryshev 23’ (OG), Edinson Cavani 90’Bookings
Yellow Cards
Uruguay – Rodrigo Bentancur 59’
Russia – Yury Gazinski 9’, Igor Smolnikov 27’Red Cards
Russia – Igor Smolnikov 36’
Saudi Arabia create history against Egypt
Saudi Arabia registered their first World Cup win after 24 years when they defeated Egypt 2-1 in their final group stage game at the Volgograd Arena, Volgograd.
With both teams having already been knocked-out coming into the match neither side had any conviction in the early going. Saudi Arabia had 2 shots within 3 minutes but both the shots went over the crossbar.
In the 22nd minute Abdalla Said delivered a long ball over the Saudi center backs and Egyptian wizard Mohamed Salah brilliantly controlled the ball with his first touch and then lobbed over the goal keeper to find the back of the net.
Just 2 minutes after Salah almost doubled the lead with a 1 on 1 chance with the goalkeeper but he chipped it wide off target.
In the 39th minute Saudi Arabia was awarded a penalty after a cross hitting Ahmed Fathi’s arm. El Hadary the oldest ever player to play at a World Cup came up with a great save.
In first half injury time Saudi Arabia was gifted with another penalty and this time Al Faraj sent the keeper wrong way to equalize.
Half Time – Saudi Arabia 1 – 1 Egypt
Saudi was well organized in the 2nd half keeping the possession and nicely building up the game but they couldn’t find the 2nd goal easily. Egyptian goalkeeper came up with 2 fantastic saves stopping Saudi’s set piece chances.
Egyptians tried their best in the final third but there were no clear chances to score their second. In the 95th minute there was another injury time drama as Saudi forward Al Dawsari drilled the ball into the far corner to register the win.
Full Time – Saudi Arabia 2 – 1 Egypt
Man of the Match – Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Goal Scorers
Saudi Arabia – Salman Al-Faraj 45+6’ (P), Salem Al-Dawsari 90+5’ (P)
Egypt – Mohamed Salah 22’Bookings
Yellow Cards
Egypt – Ali Gabr 45+5’, Ahmed Fathi 86’
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