Russia vs Egypt Prediction & Betting Tips - World Cup

Prediction published on 15/06/2018, 15:44  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 20/06/2018 at 03:36 in World Cup Prediction

Host nations are always under pressure in the World Cup but Russia showed few signs of that in their opening fixture. They got just what every team wants and that's a goal inside the first quarter hour to settle their nerves. The goals kept coming and even though they were playing against a disappoiinting Saudi Arabia side, the quality of their goals was there for all of the world to see. What was also important was the impact that their substitutes had on the game indicating a good Russian squad. Now more presssure will be heaped on them because fans have had a glimpse of what their team can do, they will be looking for them to go on and win the group, though they know a tough match most likely against Spain or Portugal awaits them in the last sixteen regardless of whether they win the group or come second. A win over Egypt will take them into the knock-out stages and that's their target but another good performance will also be appreciated.

Egypt have to get something out of this game if they want to maintain qualification hopes. They put up a decent display against Uruguay in their opening fixture but had their hearts broken when their opponents scored a last-gasp winner. The big question of course is all about Mo Salah who didn't make it onto the pitch in that opening fixture. Another few days might make that injured shoulder of his a bit stronger and fit enough to at least get onto the pitch against Russia. Egypt don't have too much up front and the feeling is Salah will have to be risked from the start against a threatening Russian side. Russia did well against Saudi Arabia, much  better than most pundits thought they would and they can reach the last sixteen with a win over the Egyptian side.