Talking Points: Did Salah omission cost Egypt the game?

Jose Gimenez scored the winner for the Latin Americans in the 89th minute.

Egypt put up an excellent display against Uruguay, who edged past them with a 0-1 scoreline in a Group A clash at the FIFA World Cup. Without talisman Mohamad Salah, Egypt still played on par with La Celeste keeping the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani out of the scoring charts.

With the win Uruguay have gone on top of Group A with Russia. In this article, we are going to discuss the five talking points from the match.

5. Mohamad Salah could have added that 'extra bite' to this solid Egypt side

Although the CAF nation put in a solid display against a top-ranked Uruguay side, the absence of Mohamad Salah may have cost them three points. Defensively, The Pharaohs were amazing, with the likes of Cavani and Suarez cutting lone figures throughout the game. Goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy put in an amazing display.

However,, the lack of an experienced player in attack might have cost them the game. Trezeguet was good, but the Liverpool man could have run a maze around an inexperienced and young Uruguay midfield.

4. Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani cut frustrated figures

The Egyptians; defence was excellent throughout the game. The midfield also held up the ball well and got the upper hand against their young Uruguayan counterparts.

Goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy put in a terrific display against Suarez and Cavani, helped by the likes of Ahmed Hegazi. 

If Uruguay really want to progress to the later stages of the tournament, the strikers need to start linking up successfully as they are the sole goalscores for their team.

3. Uruguay have a young, inexperienced midfield which could cost them

The likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and Giorgian de Arrascaeta couldn't really anchor Uruguay in their build-up play.

Players like Mohamed Elneny physically outplayed them. The next match will be crucial for coach Oscar Tabarez, as he will have to decide if he should play veteran Cristian Rodriguez.

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2. Egypt lack a match-winner

Throughout the entire match, it was pretty clear that the African nation lacked a true match-winner. Trezeguet showed flashes of brilliance, but lacked an end product.

Giminez's goal signified what Egypt missed. On the ither hand, La Celeste are packed with match-winners with the likes of Diego Godin, Gimenez, Suarez, and Cavani in their ranks.

Coach Hector Cuper will need to either risk starting Salah in the next match or play Stoke City's Ramadan Sobhi.

1. The experience of being a regular World Cup team will take Uruguay to the knockout rounds

The victory showed that being a team regular and in form can win you matches even if your best players don't perform. That's what happened to Uruguay.

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Although, their midfield seemed beaten and their attacking superstars were having a poor day, experience played an important part. Goalscorer Gimenez had played in the last tournament in Brazil.

Egypt will play Russia in their next match and Uruguay will play Saudi Arabia.