PBP Thread: Match #3, Russia vs. Egypt, 19 June 2018 [R]

Russia clinical as you like - 8 goals in 2 games, any top team would take that.

 

Congratulations to Russia. Two well-deserved victories. Contrary to what some expected, it now appears Russia will not only advance, but should even be considered favorites to top the group. Depending on the scoreline in Uruguay v. Saudi Arabia, even a draw might be enough in the last match.

It will interesting to see what happens in the knockout stage. Presumably, their R16 opponent will be one of Portugal or Spain. While Russia certainly wouldn't be favored against either of those sides, the way they have played so far at least suggests they won't just roll over and will make it tough for whoever faces them.

Russia has now at least achieved the bare minimum of not embarrassing itself with a group stage exit on home soil. Anything else is a bonus.

 

Egypt were dissapointing, they didn’t play anywhere as good as against Uruguay. And once they conceded that own goal and had to come out to play their deficiencies were very evident

 

Regarding Egypt, I have to say this doesn't seem a good team even with Salah on the pitch, though perhaps he still hasn't completely recovered his form. On the bright side, at least Salah got a goal. He can say he scored a World Cup goal, and Egypt can feel happy that they finally ended a 28-year wait for a World Cup goal.

 

Congratulations to the Russians on another great showing. They have basically clinched their qualification, even if mathematically we still need to wait for the result between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. While I had picked them to advance, they have done better than even I had expected. Their #9, Dzyuba, has been a revelation and so has Cheyrshev.

 

Watching from the fan zone in Kazan...

 

Agreed, Golovin oozes skill. Russia hasn't had a talent like him since a young Dzagoev. Hopefully Golovin moves on soon, I think that was a big issue with Dzagoev not reaching his potential (along with a bad injury history and a seemingly underwhelming mentality).