World Cup roundup: Senegal become first Africans to win
In a result of Biblical proportions, Pharaoh’s army drowned in the tide of a red Russian sea.
Senegal 2-1 Poland
The Lions of Teranga restored Africa’s pride when they sank Poland in their World Cup opener at Spartak Stadium, Russia on Tuesday evening.
The first stanza was all Senegal’s, 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 37th minute, was courtesy of a lucky (or unlucky, if you are Polish) deflection off Thiago Cionek that gave his keeper no chance.
Senegal grew in confidence after that goal and went into the break brimming with confidence.
Senegal extended their lead in somewhat controversial fashion when M’Biaye 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 via a header from a corner but were unable to prevent the group’s second favourites for the knockout stages – the other being Colombia – from opening their account with a win.
Japan 2-1 Colombia
As sharp as Samurai swords, Japan twice sliced their way through the Colombia defence to earn the first ever win for an Asian side against a South American team at the World Cup finals.
Egypt 1-3 Russia
In a result of Biblical proportions, Pharaoh’s army drowned in the tide of a red Russian sea in St Petersburg on Tuesday.
The hosts continued their prolific goalscoring run putting three (Ahmed Fatti o.g Denis Cheryshev, Artem Zuber) to Egypt lone strike from the spot by Mo Salah.
Egypt’s hope had been pinned on the return to the fold of Salah, who wasn’t deemed fit for the first Group A outing – which they lost 1-0 to Uruguay last Friday.
But the wait proved too much of a weight on the shoulders of the man who finished last season with 44 strikes in all competitions for Liverpool in England.
The game didn’t live to expectation with Salah was unable to make an impact and will, along with his teammates, exit the tournament as the first country eliminated.
Russia became the first to take the step to the last 16.
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