19 June 2018•Update: 20 June 2018
By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun
ANKARA
Hosts Russia defeated Egypt 3-1 on Tuesday evening in World Cup Group A match in Saint Petersburg Stadium to take a big step towards qualifying to Round of 16.
All four goals in the match came in the second half as Russia came very close to advance to knockout stages for the first time after 1991.
Russia found an odd goal in the 47th minute to take 1-0 lead as Egypt's Ahmed Fathi scored an own goal trying to clear the ball.
Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba added goals within four minutes to increase Russians lead to 3-0.
Egypt pulled one back in the 73rd minute, when Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was used to give Egypt a penalty kick.
Mohammed Salah scored the penalty kick for Egypt, but they could not score any more goals to bounce back.
The defeat marked the second in a row for Egypt, who are on the brink of elimination.
If Uruguay manages to get even a draw on Wednesday against Saudi Arabia, it means the World Cup dreams are over for Egypt.
Uruguay's win or draw against Saudi Arabia also mean the knockout stages for Russia.
