A second-half blitz put Russia in cruise control against Egypt

The game was goalless at the break, but things started to unravel for Hector Cuper's side following the interval.

First, Ahmed Fathi calamitously put through his own net to give the World Cup hosts a precious lead and things got worse from there on in.

With 59 minutes gone Egypt went to sleep down their left, allowing the adventurous Mario Fernandes to make a burst for the byline. When there he got his head up to pick out the run of Denis Cheryshev in the middle, with the Russian sliding the ball beyond Mohamed El-Shenaway first time for his third goal of the tournament.

 

June 19, 2018

Now, clearly running on adrenaline Russia threatened to run riot, extending their lead just two minutes later after some surprisingly intricate footwork from Artem Dzyuba.

The big man, who clearly possesses good feet, did well to bring the ball under his spell before jinking away from Ali Gabr and curling home at the near post.

 

June 19, 2018