Gimenez breaks Egyptian hearts with last-gasp winner

The Atletico Madrid defender scored in the second last minute of the regulation time to hand Uruguay the win.

Uruguay were made to work overtime before finally edging a late 1-0 win over Egypt in their opening Group A contest in Ekaterinburg. Defender Jose Gimenez was the unlikely hero with a towering last-minute winning header, after Egypt had impressed with their organisation. Star forwards Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez were largely starved of opportunities, although the former hit the post with a free-kick, as Uruguay finished strongly. Egypt's star forward Mohamed Salah failed to make an appearance after injury and the Pharaohs’ Russia 2018 opener ended on a sour note.

Watch: Egypt 0-1 Uruguay highlights

Team Reporter Analysis​​

Belal Mustafa (Egypt)

Egypt's match against Uruguay was headed for a draw until Uruguay finally broke the deadlock. The Pharaohs held their opponents away from goal due to the defensive focus of coach Hector Cuper, which succeeded in reducing the danger of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez. However, the attack was not completely absent from the Egyptian team, despite the absence of Mo Salah.

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Florencia Simoes (Uruguay)

Uruguay struggled to break down a well-organised Egypt side until the latter stages. The Uruguayans had more of the ball, trying to use the flanks, but it failed to pay dividends until the last part of the match. _La Celeste suffered more than expected, but were able to win a World Cup opening match for the first time since Mexico 1970.

Budweiser Man of the Match

In a match of few standouts, Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy made a couple of key saves to leave the Pharoahs close to earning a result.

The Stat

48- The late Gimenez winner saw Uruguay end a 48-year drought of failing to win their opening match of a World Cup campaign.

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What’s next

Russia v Egypt – Group A, 19 June, St Petersburg Uruguay v Saudi Arabia – Group A, 20 June, Rostov-on-Don.