The World Cup host Russia continued its blistering form, defeating Egypt 3-1 in Saint Petersburg Tuesday night and all but qualified for the knockout rounds for the first time since 1986, when it competed as the Soviet Union. In a largely even and back-and-forth match, Russia’s three second half goals in 16 minutes stunned the Egyptians.
Mohamed Salah, who made his World Cup debut after missing Egypt’s opening match against Uruguay with a shoulder injury, scored a consolation penalty, but the Egyptian attack was never able to get in gear. Barring an improbable sequence of events, Egypt’s World Cup will be over after Monday’s match against Saudi Arabia.