The Egyptians were oh so close, which only makes the defeat to Uruguay all the more cruel. Cuper opted to leave Salah on the bench, presumably saving Liverpool’s cult hero for easier Group A games against Russia and Saudi Arabia.
But Uruguay broke Egyptian hearts in the 90th minute. A set-piece, naturally, shattered the Africans’ spirited resistance. Jose Gimenez took off like Tony Stark in a tin can, out-jumping two dozing Egyptian defenders to plant his header into the far corner. One goal was always going to be enough in a drab contest.
Critics will wonder why Cuper didn’t gamble on Salah for the final 15 minutes or so. The forward wasn’t fully fit, but then Cuper couldn’t have known how poor the Uruguayans were going to be. The South Americans enjoyed considerable possession, but striker Luis Suarez picked the wrong game to lack any sort of bite.
Uruguay were lucky. The Egyptians were crushed. And Salah must start the remaining games. Playing in their first World Cup since 1990, the plucky Pharaohs offered plenty of industry, but no artistry.
From now on, that can only come from Salah.
Neil Humphreys
Singapore’s best selling author and Football columnist
