FIFA World Cup: Last minute goal the difference between Uruguay and Egypt

In a thrilling encounter at the Ekaterinburg Arena, Uruguay defeated Egypt with a goal by central defender Gimenez in the 90th minute, though Egypt put on an inspired show to keep the star-studded Uruguayan side in check for most part of the game.

The Uruguauan team comprising of big names including Diego Godin, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez found it difficult to get past an Egyptian side that looked like playing the game with purpose right from the beginning. The African side did well to prevent the deadly duo of Cavani and Suarez from combining together almost throughout the match. And when the duo eventually did on a couple of occasions, goalkeeper Mohamed Al Shenawy stood firm in their way, denying both Suarez and Cavani once each with sublime saves.

The South American side, however, would have taken the lead in the 24th minute itself when Luis Suarez found the ball metres away from the post and no Egyptian player marking him, but the Barcelona-bound forward made a mess of the opportunity and his shot hit the side netting. There were a couple of more opportunities for La Celeste, but a dedicated Egyptian defence-line denied them any goal until the 90th minute. At the very end, Sanchez’s formidable curling free-kick was well received by Gimenez on his head and he did the rest by guiding the ball to the right-corner of the net, and Uruguayan fans erupted in joy.

The Pharoahs, as the Egyptian side is known, put up an impressive show in defence and in the midfield but lacked conviction every time they were in Uruguay’s penalty area. The Egyptians missed their star campaigner Mohamed Salah—even as their coach had assured he would “100% play” before the match. However, Salah did not feature in the game even as a substitute. Hence, the Uruguayan goalie had an easy day on field as he was rarely tested by the opposition that lacked good attacking options.

Yet, the Egyptian side did not offer a cakewalk to the Uruguayans. “The team that has defeated the best of the teams in America and Europe comfortably are suddenly finding it difficult to get through the Egyptian defence,” said the commentator.

With Russia defeating Saudi Arabia comprehensively 5-0 in the opening encounter, Uruguay placed themselves in the second position in group A with this victory. And for Egypt, everything is not lost yet as they face, arguably, weaker oppositions in their next encounters and, when Salah returns, are a formidable side themselves.