Russia vs Egypt
In a result of Biblical proportions, Pharaoh’s army drowned in the tide of a red sea of Russian jerseys at St Petersburg in Tuesday final World Cup game.
The hosts continued their prolific goal scoring run by notching three goals (Fatti o.g., Cheryshev, Zuber) to the lone reply that was Mo Salah’s penalty.
Egypt’s hopes had been pinned on the return to the fold of Salah, who wasn’t deemed ready after injury for the first Group A outing – which they lost 1-0 to Uruguay.
But the wait proved too much of a weight resting on the shoulders of the man who scored 44 goals for Liverpool this season.
C’est la vie: such is life. Salah wie? The anticipation exceeded the actual event.
He was unable to make an impact and will pack his bags along with the rest of the team as they become the first country to exit the tournament, while Russia are the first to have taken the ‘steppes’ to the last 16.

Senegal vs Poland

The Lions of Teranga were redubbed the Pride of Africa as Senegal sank Poland 2-1 at the Spartak Stadium this (Tuesday) evening.

And although the perpetual quarter finalists came into the game in the latter stages, it was the African champions who dominated for large sections of the Group H encounter.

The first stanza was all Senegal, who were faster and physically stronger in the 50-50 contests, winning virtually everything in the air as well as the second balls.

They created plenty of chances but the goal, when it did come in the 37^th minute, was courtesy of a lucky (or unlucky, if you are Polish) deflection off Cionek that gave his keeper no chance

Senegal grew in confidence after that goal and went into the break brimming with confidence.

Poland, on the contrary, looked frustrated – especially at the fact the Senegalese had taken Polish playmaker Lewandowski out of the game through clever marking.

Senegal extended their lead in somewhat controversial fashion when Niane was allowed back on the field following his injury and promptly latched onto an outrageously sloppy back pass the bundle the ball into the back of the net.

Poland got one back from a headed corner but were unable to stem the sands of time and became the second of the group’s favourites to go through – the other being Colombia – to emerge pointless after their first match.

PS The game, as with all the others thus far, was marked by good sportsmanship. But expect that to change as the tournament gets to the sharp end!