Match Review: Uruguay v. Egypt

Uruguay v Egypt
Score: 1-0
Goal: Gimenez 89'
Possession: 58-42
Shots: 15-8
Man of the match: Gimenez (1G, 1CS)

The second match of group A ended in ecstasy for Uruguay and heartbreak for Egypt. The match started off very even with Egypt dominating most of the play. The high press by the Egyptians frustrated Uruguays midfield leading to multiple unforced errors and giveaways. Egypt created many half chances but nothing too clear cut. Then about half way through the first half a chance fell to Uruguay's all time leading goalscorer Luis Suarez. From a corner the ball was whipped into the box and missed everyone until it fell to Suarez right on the doorstep who put it into the side netting. The match continued with much of the same up until halftime. Egypt defensively looked fantastic and were frustrating the overwhelming favorites Uruguay. At half time though heads turned to Egypt's manager as he had a decision to make, whether to bring on talisman Mo Salah or keep him rested for the next two matches. Egypt looked to have a case to win this match but were lacking real cutting edge in the final third. Hector Cuper decided against Salah coming on and he remained on the bench for the rest of the match. The second half started with Uruguay on the front foot another Suarez missed chance was a highlight from the start of the second half. Then in the 72nd minute Suarez missed another chance as Cavani played him in 1v1 but he couldn't even get a shot on. It was a very uncharacteristic performance from Suarez on the day. Throughout the Suarez chances Egypt were still causing problems on the counter but failing to get any reasonable shots on net. As the end of the match approached Uruguay turned it up a notch. Edison Cavani tested the keeper brilliantly and hit the post from a brilliant strike from a free kick. Then in the 89' minute after another poor foul from the Egyptians gave Uruguay a chance that they finally took advantage of. A perfect ball was swung in right into Atletico Madrid center half Jose Maria Gimenez who rose and headed it in brilliantly. It was heartbreak for Egypt after a brilliant defensive performance, but it the goal was coming and blame may be pointed at manager Hector Cuper for choosing to leave Salah on the bench. This match leaves Uruguay in a very strong position going into their match with a poor Saudi Arabia. As for Egypt if they can put in a performance similar to this one against Russia with Mo Salah, they will be very confident of grabbing a win against the hosts.