With Vladimir Putin looking on from the presidential box, Russia got its World Cup off to a dream start on Thursday. The hosts poured it on against Saudi Arabia, crushing the outmatched country 5-0. The victory puts Russia in a fantastic spot in Group A, as they are likely to win any tiebreaker now with such a big win. That will put the onus on Egypt in this match. Egypt is an underdog in its opening match against Uruguay, and a draw or a loss versus Russia will likely spell doom to its World Cup hopes.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Zenit Arena in St. Petersburg at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Egypt +291
Russia +106
Draw +235
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Recent Form
While Egypt will not play its first World Cup match until Friday, Russia is in great shape following its win against Saudi Arabia.
Although Russia was able to pick up a huge win in its first match, it wasn’t so much due to great play from their side. Saudi Arabia was the lowest ranked team heading into the World Cup, and they looked outclassed from the start. The Green Falcons couldn’t muster anything of note on offense and their defense was dreadful.
Russia overpowered Saudi Arabia’s much smaller defense up front, winning numerous aerial challenges in order to set up goals. Yury Gazinsky notched the first goal in the 12th minute after getting an open header in the box, and Denis Cheryshev made it 2-0 just before half after a simple move sent two Saudi Arabian defenders sprawling and gave him an open look at goal.
The third goal from Artem Dzyuba was again the result of a clean header in the box, while the last two came at the hands of woeful defending. Cheryshev had a superb finish on a chance outside the box, but the defense should have been able to close out. Aleksandr Golovin’s free kick goal at the death was one that would have been stopped by a decent goalkeeper, but instead Abdullah Al-Mayouf gave a dreadful effort.
Key Injury
It’s no secret that Egypt’s hopes at the World Cup rest on the shoulders of Mo Salah. That’s why his status for all of the nation’s Group Stage games is so incredibly important. Salah has been cleared by team doctors, and Egypt expects him to play against Uruguay on Friday. However, we have no idea how effective he will be as he is still recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in the Champions League Final.
If Salah is injured or limited, Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny will need to play well. Elneny is not known for his goal scoring prowess, but he is a good creator and would run the offense in Salah’s absence.
Matchup to Watch
Russia will have a much tougher time scoring on Egypt than they did on Saudi Arabia. Egypt is solid in defense, and they rode that unit to World Cup qualification. However, Ali Gabr suffered an injury in training and his status is in doubt for this match.
Gabr is Egypt’s best aerial defender, and if he is unable to go that’s a big help to Russia. Dzyuba and Fyodor Smolov are both powerful forwards that will go after crosses with a passion. Those two could have a good amount of success without Gabr in the lineup.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
With so many injury concerns on the side of Egypt, be patient when it comes to betting on this match. Gabr and Salah’s availability is important enough to greatly influence the outcome of this one.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Russia 1, Egypt 1
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