PBP Thread: Match #2, Egypt vs. Uruguay, 15 June 2018 [R]

The attack and midfield did look bushed for Egypt by the end of the second half. It was even evident in the passing. Could be just normal tiredness or could have been the aftereffects of ramadan.

 

Yes, this game was pretty boring. Uruguay started slowly, it looked like they were trying to conserve their energy for later stages of the tournament. Egypt looked like they were expected to look without Salah - toothless. They simply had no way to attack effectively, and even with Salah but not fully fit, they will find it hard to score... Uruguay should have pulled the game beyond any reach way faster be it for poor Suarez finishing. He really should have scored at least twice.

However, as usual, Celestes have their back line to rely on, when Suarez fails. When not Godin, then Gimenez... During second Uruguay showed much more urgency, as they definitely wanted to win, shifted to third gear, and got a well deserved, and expected, goal.

With Salah situation, as is, I do not see Egypt defeating Russia. Even if Salah goes out to play, Russians will immediately to what Uruguay would have done - roughen him up with their 195 cm players... Then they will exploit their areal superiority. I expect them to give the possession away, just as v Saudis, and prevent any Egypt counter opportunity.

Salah's injury really ruined Egypt.

 

The other thing is that most of the Russian players are pretty tall, and might out-jump the Egyptians on set pieces. Not sure what kind of game to expect though, as I don't know who will be the team to hold more of the ball.

 

Not necessarily, sometimes players just need an extra couple of days to be match fit. We see it in finals series where every game matters all the time.

 

I think Cuper might have made a strategic mistake. He went for the draw vs Uruguay, while he maybe should have and could have brought on Salah...

 

And risk losing Salah for the rest of the competition? Egypt didn't need a win in this game. Getting a draw would have been a good result and a loss doesn't really harm them.

At the time that Egypt made their last sub, it looked like Uruguay was snake bit and Egypt was doing pretty good limiting their opportunities. The only reason you bring in Salah is to score goals, which would have pulled Egypt out of their defensive form and is likely something they would have only needed if they were already down a goal.

 

That's not the only reason. Uruguay were in full attack mode and didn't even really defend. Salah would have forced them to be more cautious in the back. It would have been a great tactic even when going for a draw.

 

At the risk of injuring Salah. As soon as Salah hit the field, Uruguay would have been pounding on his shoulder and Egypt had been under attack the entire game and had done a good job holding Uruguay to just a few chances that Uruguay squandered. Cuper had to balance the risk of taking a loss with losing Salah for the rest of competition. Losing to Uruguay was the expected result here and doesn't change the fact that Egypt needs to beat Russia if they want to advance. It's better to save Salah for Russia than risk him against Uruguay.

 

Egypt has the honor to be the first team in this cup from outside the UEFA-CONMEBOL axis that looks good enough to be up to their standards.

 

That's very disrespectful.

 

Hmm? I thought Morocco did quite well outside of the final third. Now, that game happened after the Egypt/Uruguay game, but still...

 

Of the Saudis? They deserve it, after getting pummelled that way.

That's what three managers in 10 months does for you.

 

Egypt isn't out yet.

They have a chance against Russia.

What I am saying is that's disrespectful to Egypt. Egypt always play decent football. They have many top flight footballers.

 

Disrespectful to Egypt to say they are the first team outside Europe and South America in this world cup that are up the standards in those two regions?

Can't think of a higher praise, actually.

 

Hey guys i am live in russia doing live vlogs of all the action from a real fans eyes! heck them out and give fox sports a break

 

I would say condescending of African players, rather than disrespectful: wow, you are so good that you don't even seem African.

I am not even sure whether an "UEFA+Conmebol axis" even exists.

As far as I know, very few care about Ecuador or Greece.

 

Really? Was it in 1990 they made WC last time?

 

Yes, Egypt still has a chance, as everyone who plays some game usually does have a chace... Yet, not very high chance, and I wouldn't bet against Russia in Russia.

 

I was touched when Oscar Tabarez struggled to stand with a cane when his team scored. He has a condition which attacks his immune system. He took his country to 3 straight World Cups (and to the 2010 4th place position). He should be revered for helping Uruguay regain a place in the world's biggest stage.

 

Mohamed El Shenawy is the first Egyptian to ever win man of the match in a World Cup game
"Proud of our son"
#ManoftheMatch #MohamedElShenawy #egy pic.twitter.com/fxtKNlHoUu

— S (@SagaAhmed12) June 15, 2018