All eyes will be on how Egypt set up when they take on Uruguay in Ekaterinburg, with the management facing a great dilemma – whether or not to risk playing Mo Salah, the man that represents their only realistic hope of progressing to the knockouts.Five Mohammed Salah goals in six qualifiers has led Egypt to their first World Cup (WC) in 28 years. Without him, Egypt have suffered, and come to Russia winless in six games (D3, L3), scoring just three goals in the process.With or without Salah, Egypt tend to struggle on foreign soil and are winless in seven away games (D2, L5).
Having qualified as the second-best side in South America, Uruguay have built up to the WC with three consecutive wins. They have lost only once in nine games (W5, D3, L1), which is a fair reflection of their confidence.
It is Uruguay’s defensive solidarity that catches the eye, as they have picked up five clean sheets in seven matches. Three of their last four victories have come with more than a single-goal margin, making them favourites to top the group.
