LONDON: If there was a theme coming into the match it was one of redemption.
The Green Falcons were aiming to put in a performance and achieve a result that would prove their 5-0 horror show against Russia on the opening day was an aberration. For Egypt it was a chance to register their first-ever World Cup win and get over poor defeats to Uruguay and Russia.
Ultimately, while a draw in Volgograd would have been a fair result, if either side deserved the atonement they sought, it was Saudi Arabia — Salem Al-Dawsari’s well-worked goal earning the side’s first World Cup win since 1994.
The Green Falcons dominated possession, without ever creating much — a familiar failing in Russia — but against the more fancied Egyptians, they more than proved they deserved their place at the tournament.
The Pharaohs came into the tournament very hopeful of not only registering their first victory but also of getting out of the group. They also, however, arrived in Russia with the Mohamed Salah circus in full swing. There is little doubt that the “will he, won’t he play” sideshow affected the team. Having sat out the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay, he got on the pitch against Russia but it was clear he was not match fit.
But while there were questions about how the side handled the Salah situation, there was never any doubting his ability and mantle as one of the best players in the world. He reminded everyone of this with a sublime goal after 22 minutes. Saudi Arabia lost the ball in midfield, a hopeful long ball found Salah who, having got in behind the Saudi Arabia defense, took a brilliant first touch before lobbing Yasser Al-Mosailem in the Green Falcons’ goal with his second. In one fell swoop he reminded everyone why even when half fit he is still head and shoulders above most, not least in a match lacking in top-class quality.
He should have had another two minutes later, but chipped wide with just the keeper to beat.
Before the Salah show got started the Green Falcons had shown promise, Al-Dawsari in particular looking lively. But if there was a fault it was a familiar one: The side lacked any real cutting edge.
So it was no shock that their first gilt-edged chance came from the penalty spot. It was a harsh penalty, a Yasser Al-Shahrani cross striking the arm of Ahmed Fathy, but having made history by becoming the oldest ever player at the World Cup — aged 45 years five months and 12 days — Essam El-Hadary then made a great save, diving to his right to prevent Fahad Al-Muwallad from getting his side back in the contest. Just minutes later, however, Saudi Arabia had another chance to score from 12 yards — Al-Muwallad falling after a tug on his shirt by Ali Gabr. Salman Al-Faraj took the kick this time and made no mistake.
A draw at the break was, on balance, a fair scoreline. The second period lacked the intensity of of the first. El-Hadary continued to roll back the years making two fine saves in quick succession to frustrate Saudi Arabia. He pushed Housain Al-Mogahwi’s header over the bar and from the corner he beat away an effort from Muhannad Assiri.
The match was meandering to a draw until Al-Dawsari’s late strike, an angled low finish after good work from Abdullah Otayf, securing the win and atonement Saudi Arabia so badly wanted.