Egypt's World Cup went from bad to worse as they fell behind Russia 3-0 in the second half of their Group A fixture, though Mohamed Salah was able to pull one back for the Pharaohs in the second half to make it 3-1.
The Liverpool forward missed the opening game against Uruguay – which resulted in a loss – but started Tuesday's game against the host nation.
Salah endured a frustrating game as he was unable to get on the ball much in the first half, but managed to score from the penalty spot in the second half after being pulled down inside the Russian penalty area.
After Salah went down in the box, the referee initially whistled for a free-kick outside the area. However, the referee consulted with VAR and after review, awarded the penalty.
Salah delivered an excellent spot kick to cut the deficit back to two goals, and score the first Egyptian World Cup goal since their last appearance at the showpiece in 1990.
Russia were flying after scoring two goals after the break through Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba after Egyptian Ahmed Fathi conceded an unfortunate own goal early on in the first half.
But while Salah's goal gave Egypt a little hope of reversing the deficit, the game ultimately ended with a 3-1 Russia victory.
Mo Salah pulls one back for Egypt!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 19, 2018
Is there enough time for a comeback?? pic.twitter.com/HOIPd5Zzxh
Salah has to assist himself to score
— 〽️ (@Riddock__) June 19, 2018
Peak
With the defeat, Egypt must hope Saudi Arabia register a win against Uruguay on Wednesday if they are to have any chance of making it into the last 16.
