The second round of matches in the World Cup get underway in the final game of the three on Tuesday and all eyes will be on the tournament hosts Russia as they take on Egypt in St Petersburg.
It goes without saying that this is a big match for Egypt. They lost their opening game and two defeats to start will signal the end of them. Such was the margin of Russia’s victory in their first game a win here will send them through but they have one foot in the second round with a draw.
Russia
There was an air of caution negativity surrounding the host nation heading into the tournament opener but clearly they had been waiting for that match for a long time. To be fair given the pressure on their shoulders it would have been so easy for the occasion to get to them but they were brilliant and emphatic in their play, and their result.
Despite that victory there are still questions for Russia to answer in this match. It might be that they were so good because Saudi Arabia were so bad but if they can display the football they showed in Moscow again here then that theory will certainly be put to bed. The feeling is this will be a bigger test for them.
Egypt
I think most judges were disappointed with Egypt in their opening match. They were without their talisman which didn’t help them but you felt Uruguay were there for the taking but the Egyptians were either in two minds about what to do or lacked the confidence and the conviction to express themselves and set about winning the game.
It might be that they were happy with a point against the side rated the toughest opponent in the group, and they were within a minute or two of getting it. They must express themselves more in this match and play fearless football even though they will be living on the edge given that their tournament lives are at stake.
Team News
Russia will be without Alan Dzagoev for this match as he picked up an injury in the opening game of the tournament. Denis Cheryshev bagged twice from the bench in that one and is expected to start this game.
The Egyptian superstar Mo Salah has been passed fit for this match and given the situation he is expected to start. Tarek Hamed is another who is fit which will be a boost to Egypt given the importance of this one.
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Betting
I think there is a lot of draw potential about this match so I’m happy to be on Egypt on the +0.5 Asian line. I think defensively they are the stronger of the two and I don’t see Russia having as much joy in attack in this one as they did against a Saudi Arabia side who were beaten by the occasion before they began. Egypt also have the superstar on the pitch in Mo Salah against an aging Russian back line and if they can get him on the ball he could lead them to the victory. If not their defence can earn them something from the game. If they do win I think it will be narrow so a small bet on Egypt by a goal could suffice too.
Speaking of Salah he is just under 5/2 to score at any point in the match. If Egypt box smart they will get Salah running at the elderly Russian centre-backs and that will be like Usain Bolt chasing a shot putter. If Egypt are going to get anything from this one Salah has to turn up and be counted and he’s worth an anytime punt.
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Tips
Back Egypt (+0.5AH) to beat Russia for a 4/10 stake at 1.89 with BetVictor
Back them here:
Back Egypt to win by 1 goal for a 1/10 stake at 6.00 with Skybet
Back them here:
WON – Back M.Salah to score anytime for a 2/10 stake at 3.30 with Betfair
Back him here:
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