Jose Gimenez broke Egyptian hearts when he powered in a header from a free-kick in the 89th-minute to win three points for Uruguay.
Egypt nearly earned a point in the World Cup Group A clash but for the defender’s late intervention as Mohamed Salah watched on from the bench.
The last-gasp victory means Uruguay and Russia take control of the group after the hosts’ 5-0 mauling of Saudi Arabia in the opener.
Here’s a look at the tactical battle between managers Oscar Tabarez and Hector Cuper.
BASIC STATS
URUGUAY
Goals – 1
Shots – 15
Possession – 58%
Tackles – 18
Dribbles – 13
EGYPT
Goals – 0
Shots – 8
Possession – 42%
Tackles – 22
Dribbles – 5
30-SECOND REPORT
Tabarez
The wily old Uruguayan set his side up in their traditional 4-4-2 formation with the famed front two of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani leading the line. However, they didn’t show the kind of guile necessary to split open Egypt’s defence.
They eventually turned up the heat by overloading the flanks and getting more balls into the box and were rescued by a great header from Jose Gimenez.
Cuper
Salah was named on the bench so there was no question of whether he would play up front or out wide. Marwan Mohsen led the line instead in a 4-2-3-1 system but was unable to hold up the ball when Egypt broke forward. He was dispossessed three times, as was another potential outlet in Trezeguet.
The Pharaohs tried to capitalise on the break but the execution of their forward passes was below par while Salah’s absence made for a blunt attack.
Ponderous: Rodrigo Bentancur.
TACTICAL TALKING POINTS
Tabarez – More width
It hardly came as a surprise but Uruguay struggled to create much through the middle. The lack of innovation in possession was staggering and Rodrigo Bentancur was tipped to dictate play in midfield but the 20-year-old’s inexperience showed as he tended to hold onto possession for far too long.
As a result, Tabarez looked to concentrate play down the flanks in the second half. Carlos Sanchez in particular bombed down the right side with great impetus while Cristian Rodriguez’s introduction on the left wing provided more width as well. With play in the final third stretched, Uruguay began to create more chances though the winner came from a set-piece.
Cuper – Salah void
Egypt gave a good account of themselves as far as their set-up and approach goes at least. They restricted a Uruguay side which boasted a far superior attacking line. Cuper’s side was able to remain compact, soak up the pressure and had plenty of opportunities to break.
The problem though was that when they did counter, they didn’t have the pace and penetration of Salah to give their attacks purpose and direction. They largely wound up running down blind alleys and giving the ball away. If the Liverpool star was fit to play, one of those attacks could well have come to fruition.
Sidelined: Mohamed Salah.
VERDICT
Tabarez
Injected a bit of urgency into his side after half-time with Cavani and Suarez both being denied by El-Shenawy. Added more width to the attack after a very sluggish first half.
Rating – 6/10
Cuper
Will be questioned for not playing Salah at some point. Fitness issues understandable but what’s the point of having him on the bench then? Must be credited for setting his side up well at least.
Rating – 5/10
