FIFA 2018 World Cup: Egypt vs Uruguay preview
What's the story
Egypt are all set to make their first World Cup appearance in 28 years as they take on Uruguay in the second match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Pharaohs have been handed a timely boost as Mo Salah has recovered in time for the fixture. Salah had suffered a shoulder injury during the Champions League final last month. Here's the match preview.
Red hot form
Birthday boy Salah has been on fire this season
Salah is celebrating his 26th birthday today. The Egyptian King has been in the form of his life since his move to Liverpool last summer. He broke several records in 2017/18 season as he found the back of the net on 44 occasions. He is on level with Real Madrid's superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and one goal behind Lionel Messi this season.
Goal threat
Suarez and Cavani spearhead Uruguay's attack
Egypt's opponents Uruguay are experienced campaigners in the World Cup. They are competing for the fourteenth time as compared to Egypt's third. The La Celeste's attack is spear-headed by Barcelona striker Luis Suarez and Paris Saint-Germain's Edison Cavani. 1930 and 1950 champions also boast the likes of Atletico Madrid duo Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin in the heart of their defense.
Head-to-head
Uruguay have never been beaten by an African nation
Uruguay are overwhelming favorites heading into the fixture, but Egypt will be no pushovers. With Salah in their ranks, they certainly fancy their chances. The two sides have met just once before in 2006, where the Pharaohs were beaten 2-0. Uruguay have never been beaten by an African opposition at the World Cup till now.
Information
Probable Playing XI: Egypt
Mohamed El Shenawy, Ali Gabr, Ahmed Hegazy, Ahmed Fathi, Mohamed Abdel Shafi, Tarek Hamed, Mohamed El Neny, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Abdulla Said, Ramadhan Sobhi and Marwan Mohsen
Information
Probable Playing XI: Uruguay
Fernando Muslera, Guillermo Varela, Jose Maria Gimenez, Diego Godin, Martin Caceres, Nahitan Nandez, Matias Vecino, Rodrigo Bentancur, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez.