2018 FIFA WORLD CUP

2018 FIFA WORLD CUP – Russia vs Egypt PREVIEW



The hosts are back in action and they are facing a desperate Egypt side. Russia have set the stage on fire in their opening game smashing Saudi Arabia 5-0 while scoring some of the most beautiful goals so far in the tournament, however now the test is going to be much tougher. Egypt are now in desperation mode, after a heart breaking 0-1 loss to Uruguay after a 89th minute winner, Egypt know that they have to win and they have been boosted with the news that Mohammed Salah is ready and is fully fit to start. A win for Russia puts them through, a win for Egypt increases their chances massively and puts Russia in a tough situation. A very important game this will be.

RUSSIA

Russia are coming into this game as already said after winning their opening game 5-0. A 5 star performance that have given the nation a lift off that they needed. A win against Egypt, puts Russia in the round of 16, a draw is probably not a bad result either, however Russia know they can’t afford to lose knowing that their last game is against Uruguay while Egypt play the Saudi Arabia side who looked like pure trash if we’re being honest in the opening game. Russia dealt with pressure well in the opening game, however the pressure will still be there and playing against a tougher side will test how good Russia really are. They have to watch out for Egyptian king Salah and make sure they don’t get exposed at the back for the lack of pace that they have.

One bit of bad news for Russia is that Alan Dzagoev picked up an injury and had to be taken off in the opening game, however they were boosted with the performance by Cheryshev who fit in well and scored 2 beautiful goals. The confidence has to be high for the Russian side all around after that opening game and the expectations may be a bit higher now. Russia’s young star Golovin had one of the best performances and did not let himself down in the opening game and will be one of the biggest keys for Russia to win. Finally Russia’s striker Smolov will need to perform better, but if he doesn’t they may chuck Dzyuba up again and play long balls to him so he can hold up play which he done really well in the first game. The lack of pace in Russian side could still be a problem especially trying to deal with Salah and Egypt because Egypt will be way more of a threat than Saudi Arabia. But finally an increased confidence and having their star man Golovin in great form will be key for Russia. Expect Russia to go for it and try to win the game with their fans fully behind their back now.

EGYPT

Egypt are coming into this game with their backs against the wall. A loss here and they’re 99.9% out. Egypt have been given a boost as their talisman Mo Salah is back and will start. Egypt lost the opening game in a heart breaking fashion to Uruguay 0-1, but they played to their strengths, put in a good performance, but just run out of energy in the end. Egypt were very organised, their defence and midfield play was solid, however they lacked the finishing touch and had they had Salah they probably would’ve won. Having Salah back for this game is going to be crucial and they should create enough chances. Egypt will probably try and frustrate Russia and hit them on the break using the pace of the likes of Trezeguet and Salah. If Egypt get their finishing touch right and Salah is back to his best there’s a great chance that they win. We can expect Egypt to leave it all on the line. Egypt are the better overall team, but they will have to deal with the Russian crowd and it will be tough. They know it’s a must win.

What to Expect From the Game

We can definitely expect a very tough battle. Russia will be full of confidence after destroying Saudi Arabia, however Egypt will be a much more serious threat than what Saudi Arabia were. Egypt will most likely try to frustrate Russia with their solid play at the back and will hope to put Russia under pressure with their counter attack with quick wing play. Egypt’s lack of finishing showed in the opening game, but no doubt if they create enough chances, they’ll take them now that Salah is back. The home crowd will be crucial for Russia, the play of Golovin and Cheryshev coming forward will be the biggest key if they want to win, if they perform to their capabilities then they’ll cause Egypt problems, we may see Dzyuba coming on up front a 6 ft 5 big man who could change the game with his hold up play if Russia don’t create anything. It’s a 50/50 game, Russia have the home crowd behind them, Egypt have a better team, but it all evens out. A draw seems likely, but we shouldn’t be surprised if someone stole the game and won.

Group Standings:

1 Russia 3 pts +5 GD

2 Uruguay 3 pts +1 GD

3 Egypt 0 pts -1 GD

4 Saudi Arabia 0 pts -5 GD

ODDS – Decimal (WilliamHill)

Russia Win – 2.10

Draw – 3.10

Egypt Win – 3.80

KICK OFF – 19th June 2018 – 7pm UK Time