YEKATERINBURG, Russia – On a team that boasts one of the World Cup’s most potent attacks, a defender lifted Uruguay to its first opening-match victory at the World Cup in 48 years.
Jose Gimenez headed in Carlos Sanchez’s free kick in the 89th minute for a 1-0 victory over Egypt on Friday.
“Sometimes the ball will go to the back of the net, sometimes it won’t,’’ Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said. “I’m very proud of the team and the attitude they played with throughout the match.’’
Uruguay now has three points in Group A, but still trails Russia on goal difference after the host nation’s 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
Egypt forward Mohamed Salah was on the bench for his country’s first World Cup match since 1990 after injuring his shoulder while playing for Liverpool in last month’s Champions League final. Salah was the Premier League’s player of the season after scoring a league-leading 32 goals, with 44 in all competitions.
He left the Champions League final in tears on May 26 after he was injured during a collision with Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.
“He didn’t play today because we didn’t want to have any risk or danger,’’ Egypt coach Hector Cuper said. “But I think he will be OK for the next match.’’
Uruguay strikers Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, the pair of players who make up that potent offense, missed their chances at the Yekaterinburg Arena. Suarez failed to beat Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shennawy in two one-on-one situations and Cavani hit the post from a free kick two minutes from the end.
“We’ve tried to play in a very orderly fashion,’’ Tabarez said. “I don’t think some of the players played as well as they can.’’
Egypt, which had zero corner kicks in the match, has yet to win a World Cup game. It managed two draws at the 1990 tournament and lost its only match in 1934.