Photocredit : https://www.golisports.com

The 2nd match of the tournament has just finished off and it had a lot of surprises. The solid back and front-line of Uruguay versus the Salah inspired Egyptian Squad had encountered. Though Salah was sidelined, this was a signal of defeat for the match. Speculations were clear that the Egyptian squad wanted to reserve Salah for the match against Russia, into which everyone thinks will be the most critical match of their tournament lives to advance to Round-of-16. It is expected that Uruguay will top the table with Egypt hopes to grab the 2nd spot.

The match was won by Uruguay 1-0 courtesy of Jose Gimenez header.

But How did the match Happened?

During the first half, it is evident that Egypt has the hunger. Though Cavani-Suarez tandem were always ready for the catch, but the close-packed Egypt squad seem to control the midfield. With Elneny's presence, Egypt has been very confident (quite shocking) even the absence of Mohammad Salah on the field. They failed to have some great chances, into which Uruguay had some but they find it difficult to tap the services of Cavani-Suarez because there's no creativity on the midfield.

Uruguay Pros : Strong Defense and Heavily-powered Forwards
Uruguay Cons : A little Creativity (It was actually no-creativity from a Facebook post, someone overreacted Lol)

Egypt Pros : Aggressive and Smooth Midfield control but cannot go forward.
Egypt Cons : No-established/deadly striker.

Half-Time

Photocredit : https://images.performgroup.com

The 2nd half-started with a Suarez chance but missed it. It seems like Suarez was having a bad day and Cavani didn't receive much passes that will make him take the opportunity to strike. A big reason for that is a crowded defense. I've noticed a lot of midfielders going back whenever Uruguay gets the ball. It is understandable because the pace of attack in the midfield is slow, allowing Egyptian Midfields to go back. This was always the problem - Midfield creativity and aggressiveness for Uruguay

Despite of the off-played midfield for Uruguay, into which it is evident because Godin is forced to advance forward a couple of times. Cavani still had two great chances. First was a volley from a header pass from Suarez, which was denied. Then a free-kick that hit on the bar. Unfortunate events for Uruguay but a relief from Egypt.

The play continues but because of the pressure Uruguay is facing, their level of play evolved. They were eager to get that first goal which they pressed a lot. But again, they failed to capitalize. I'm really blaming the midfield. But on the 89th minute, a header from Gimenez changed Uruguay's fate. What a lucky escape!

Thank you for tuning! :)