Match #17 | #RUS 3-1 #EGY #RUSEGY pic.twitter.com/SQ9uWoIRzB
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 19, 2018
Hosts Russia beat Egypt 3-1 for second successive win in the tournament.
Russia moved to the brink of qualifying for the last 16 of the World Cup after the host nation beat Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in St Petersburg.
Russia, who beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 in their opening game, took the lead thanks to a bizarre 47th-minute own goal from Ahmed Fathi, who diverted Roman Zobnin’s shot into his own net.
Russia on brink of progress to knockout stages after second win
Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba added to Ahmed Fathi own goal in second half
Mohamed Salah scored consolation for Egypt from the penalty spot
Russia’s goal came about in a curious fashion. Aleksandr Golovin crossed the ball, with the goalkeeper pushed it away but losing his balance. Roman Zobnin tried to take advantage with a quick effort on goal, but Ahmed Fathi who was fighting for position with powerful Artem Dzyuba, deflected it right into the corener. Bad luck for Egypt for sure, but a good call by Zobnin who realised that the goalkeeper and defence were out of position for a split second.