Salah on target but Egypt finish World Cup without a point

Mohamed Salah’s second World Cup goal was not enough to prevent Egypt falling to a third consecutive defeat against Saudi Arabia in their final group game.

It has been a challenging week for Salah following confirmation of Egypt’s elimination in the wake of their 3-1 defeat to Russia on Tuesday, with growing reports of a rift between the player and his country’s Football Association.

The off-field speculation did not stop a recovering Salah from getting his customary goal, with the Premier League Player of the Year opening the scoring with a fine lob over the onrushing Saudi goalkeeper after he latched onto a long ball.

It was Salah’s 50th goal in 58 appearances since his move to Liverpool last summer, and his sixth strike in his last five games for his country.

He could well have had another moments after the first but uncharacteristically fluffed his lines with another chipped effort when put through on goal.

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SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 19: Mohamed Salah of Egypt is consoled by team mate Shikabala the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Egypt at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

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Saudi Arabia equalised from the penalty spot just before the break, and it was down to Salah to try and inspire his team in the search for a winner.

However, Salem Al-Dawsari snatched a shock second for the Saudis at the death, condemning Egypt to another defeat and consigning them to fourth place in Group A.

The disappointing result completes a rather wretched month for Salah, his hopes of shining on the global stage effectively squandered by the shoulder injury which forced him off in the Champions League final.

Salah is now likely to return to Melwood earlier than a number of his team-mates as he bids to complete his rehabilitation and prepare thoroughly for the start of the 2018/19 season.

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Source: anfieldhq.com