Hosts Russia moved closer to qualification for the next round of the 2018 World Cup courtesy of a comfortable 3-1 victory over Egypt in Group A at the Saint Petersburg Stadium on Wednesday.
A second-half own goal from Ahmed Fathy set Russia on their way, while Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba made sure of all three points with two goals in the space of three minutes.
Mohamed Salah did notch his first ever World Cup goal from a VAR-assisted penalty, but the Liverpool forward’s spot kick proved a mere consolation for the Egyptians, who now find themselves staring group-stage elimination in the face.
The hosts took the lead early in the second half, but it came in bizarre circumstances when Roman Zobnin saw his tame shot deflected off Fathy beyond El-Shenawy in the 47th minute, as the full-back sought to hold off the challenge of Dzyuba.
The opener seemed to kick Russia into life in the final third and they carved out a second after 59 minutes.
Right-back Mario Figueira Fernandes produced an adventurous run into the box before cutting a ball back for Cheryshev, who slotted in emphatically.
Egypt were found wanting at the back and Russia added a third three minutes after through the towering Dzyuba, the striker bringing a long ball out of the air, before rounding Fathy and bending a finish into the bottom corner.
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