Egypt player ratings as Mohamed Salah scores and gets a 7 in 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia

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  • Egypt’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment as a late strike by Salem Al Dawsari condemned them to a 2-1 defeat on Monday.

    Mohamed Salah opened the scoring at the Volgograd Arena in the 22nd minute.

    Saudi equalised from the spot through Salman Al Faraj on the stroke of half-time after Essam El Hadary had saved an earlier penalty from Fahad Al Muwallad.

    Al Dawsari then scored a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time to ensure his side leaves Russia with three points to show for their efforts.

    Here, we rate the performances of the Egyptian players.

    STARTING XI

    Essam El Hadary – Making history as the oldest player at the World Cup, the 45-year-old capped it with an excellent save from the spot although he couldn’t repeat the feat at the second time of asking. Made a couple of good saves from headers. 8

    Ahmed Fathy – Had a tough time dealing on the right side of defence and conceded a penalty. Clumsy with his tackles as well. Eventually picked up a booking. 3

    Ali Gabr – Was largely sturdy in defence and made a few clearances. A late tackle led to a booking though. 5

    Ahmed Hegazy – Made a couple of vital interventions including a block to deny Salman Faraj’s shot from the edge of the area. Managed more clearances than any other player. 6

    Mohamed Shafy – Was decent with his distribution when going long. Switched off a bit at the end as the winner came down his side. 5

    Mohamed Elneny – Had one decent effort from range in the second half. Simply recycled possession in midfield and while he made a couple of interceptions, was bypassed with ease several times. 5

    Tarek Hamed – Made superb block soon after that penalty save from El Hadary. His direct balls towards the forwards were good but couldn’t get close to the Saudi runners, committing four fouls. 5

    Abdallah El Said – Had some good moments on the right flank and had to track back to keep tabs on Yasir Al Shahrani. Intercepted a pass and then played a great long ball to assist Salah for the opener. Replaced at half-time. 6

    Mohamed Salah – Not at his sharpest but still the most dangerous player on the pitch. Took his goal well and created a few good chances but his chipped finish went wide when played through a second time. 7

    Trezeguet – Should’ve got on the score sheet as he was played in twice by Salah, opting for the more spectacular finish on both occasions. Released the Liverpool star as well once only for him to miss the target. Headed wide in the second half. 6

    Marwan Mohsen – A bungling performance up front. Despite winning his share of aerial duels, rarely found a team-mate with his headers. No shots at all and a pass accuracy of 37.5 per cent. 3

    SUBS

    Amr Warda – Was brought on for El Said at the interval. Had just the one shot and didn’t facilitate the attack like he was meant to. 4

    Ramadan Sobhi – Came on for Mohsen in the 63rd minute and couldn’t make an impact. 4

    Kahraba – Replaced Trezeguet for the final nine minutes. N/A

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