Five things we learned: Russia v Egypt
Golovin impresses amid rumours of a move to the Premier League, and Russia establish themselves as dangerous opponents. It's five things we learned about Russia v Egypt.
GOLOVIN READY FOR PREMIER LEAGUE
Aleksandr Golovin was directly involved in three of Russia’s five goals against Saudi Arabia, and he was noticeably influential again against Egypt. The 22-year-old has been linked with Arsenal and looks suited to Premier League football. Wilshere’s announcement that he’s leaving the Gunners leaves a central midfield role vacant.
RUSSIA ARE A DANGEROUS OPPONENT
Russian fans would never have expected that their side would have all but sealed a place in the next round so comfortably. Stanislav Cherchesov has had his tactics spot on so far, exploiting the weaknesses of Saudi Arabia and Egypt. They got a favourable draw, but on a stage as big as the World Cup, making it through to the next round is a huge achievement.
CHERYSHEV REJUVENATED
Denis Cheryshev added another goal against Egypt to take his World Cup tally to three, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as joint top scorer.
Many thought he was down and out after losing his place in the national side but class is permanent and the former Real Madrid man is proving a revelation at this World Cup.
MO NOT READY FOR THE WORLD CUP
It was go big or go home for Egypt. Mo Salah was clearly not back to full fitness following a shoulder injury he sustained in the Champions League final back in May. As the game went on it became more and more clear that he wasn't going to shine at this World Cup like he has done so often last season. A disappointing end to an almost immaculate year.
WORLD CUP OF OWN GOALS
We've already seen more own goals in Russia than the entirety of the 2014 tournament. While the game was poised at 0-0, Ahmed Fathi stuck out a leg to swipe a deflected shot away from goal but ended up poking the ball into the net taking the total of World Cup OG’s to five.
Here are the other culprits:
Bouhaddouz of Morocco (Morocco 0-1 Iran)Behich of Australia (Australia 1-2 France)Etebo of Nigeria (Nigeria 0-2 Croatia)Cionek of Poland (Poland 1-2 Senegal)