World Cup: Saudis stun Egypt despite Salah strike

Last updated on: June 25, 2018 21:52 IST

Mohamed Salah

IMAGE: Salem Aldawsari of Saudi Arabia celebrates after scoring. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Saudi Arabia managed their first win at the 2018 World Cup by beating Egypt 2-1 with a last-gasp winner that eclipsed Egyptian talisman Mohamed Salah's 22nd minute goal in Monday's Group A game between the two eliminated teams.

Saudi Arabia

IMAGE: Salman Alfaraj of Saudi Arabia scores a penalty. Photograph: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Saudi Arabia finished third in the group standings, scoring their only goals of the tournament and vastly improving from the 5-0 thrashing by hosts Russia in their opening game.

Mohamed Salah

IMAGE: Mohamed Salah of Egypt celebrates with teammate Marwan Mohsen after scoring his team's first goal against Saudi Arabia. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

It was a bitter disappointment for the Egyptian side, however, with Liverpool striker Salah unable to prevent three consecutive defeats for his country. Egyptian keeper Essam El-Hadary became the oldest player ever to appear at a World Cup at 45-years-old.

Saudi Arabia got back in the game with a penalty awarded just before halftime and Salman Al-Faraj scored from the spot. They then pulled off a win in the 95th minute thanks to Salem Al-Dawsari's angled shot.

Coverage: FIFA World Cup 2018

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