|
Egypt were beaten 3-1 by Russia in their second World Cup outing as Hector Cuper's side stand on the brink of an early elimination. The Pharaohs started tentatively, but grew into the game, although they collapsed in the second half and appeared unable to cope with the hosts after falling behind. Positives Offensively, there were spells in which Egypt looked more adventurous - and more menacing - going forward than they ever did in their opener against Uruguay. Mohamed Salah also appeared not to aggravate his shoulder injury, although he did appear to lack match fitness. In truth, however, this was a dark night for Egyptian football, and not an evening for positives. Negatives Early on, the Pharaohs were too passive and appeared to lack confidence. After the break, they were devastated by Russia's directness and physicality, completely failing to take heed from the evidence presented during the hosts' 5-0 evisceration of Saudi Arabia. Manager rating (out of 10): 5 - Hector Cuper hasn't really covered himself in glory at this tournament, even if Egypt did smother an underwhelming Uruguay side for much fo their opener. He must take much of the blame for the Pharaohs appearing to lack determination, confidence and spirit before their late rally. To what extent did Cuper's negative approach squeeze the joy out of this team? The Argentinian coach arguably waited too late before introducing Amr Warda and Ramadan Sobhi. Player ratings (1-10, with 10 the best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating): GK Mohamed El-Shenawy, 6 -- There were a few nervy moments, and some miscommunication with his defenders, but didn't do too much wrong. DF Ahmed Fathi, 6 -- The veteran was unfortunate to concede an own goal for Russia's opener, although he did see a lot of the ball.  DF Ahmed Hegazy, 7 -- There was momentary miscommunication with El-Shenawy, but Hegazy was again dominant at the heart of the defence. DF Ali Gabr, 6 -- Rattled at times by Russia's defenders, he made seven clearances and occasionally served effectively as a defensive foil as Hegazy charged out to deal with an opposition attack. DF Mohamed Abdel-Shafy, 4 -- Struggled against Dyzuba early on, and there were too many dangerous balls into the box from his side throughout. A few fine deliveries cannot disguise his vulnerability, and it was from his side that Manuel Fernandes crossed for Denis Cheryshev to score Russia's second. MF Mohamed Elneny, 5 -- Caught the eye against Uruguay, but failed to get involved or assert himself on proceedings here. The game largely passed him by. MF Tarek Hamed, 5 -- Lacked the same authority that he demonstrated against Uruguay in Egypt's opener, and like Elneny, failed to get a handle on the game. He did, however, make several notable interceptions. MF Abdallah El-Said, 6 -- Egypt weren't starved of the ball, but weren't able to feed their frontmen and El-Said must take some responsibility for this. Again, he delivered a fairly anonymous showing, and struggled to live up to pre-tournament expectations, although he did create a few chances. FW Mohamed Salah, 6 -- Understandably quieter than usual, although he was closely marshalled by Russia's defenders. There were some bright moments as the game opened up, Salah's World Cup impact remains depressively scant. FW Marwan Mohsen, 6 -- Seemed buoyed by Salah's presence, and impressed with his build-up play, which was quicker than in the opener. His interplay with the Liverpool forward was excellent at times, although his finishing - particularly in the air - was tame. FW Trezeguet, 5 -- Looked livelier than in the opener, but his finishing was again wayward and he sent a curling effort wide in the first half before placing a shot just wide as Egypt threw caution to the wind. Overall sloppy from the wideman. Substitutes FW Amr Warda, 5 -- Adventurous and energetic after coming on, but appeared somewhat overawed by the occasion. His finishing and decision-making were poor when Egypt needed a cool head and a bit more composure. FW Ramadan Sobhi, 5 -- Another ineffective showing from the wideman. FW Kahraba, N/R
|
