Cairo, May 31, 2018 (News Wires) - Egypt enters only its third World Cup after qualifying in the most dramatic circumstances back in October. Drawn in Group A with hosts Russia, the robust and well-organized squad lead by Argentine manager Hector Cuper will feel it has a strong chance of getting out of one of the weaker groups in the tournament. A lot of Egypt's hopes lie with Liverpool forward Mohamed (Mo) Salah. Despite coming off an outstanding individual season, the 25-year-old winger's fitness is in question after suffering a shoulder injury in the Champions League final. Egypt starts its World Cup campaign against Uruguay in Yekaterinburg, which is the toughest of its Group A opponents. Lead by experienced coach Oscar Tabarez, his side has mostly relied on a resolute defense and sat back, giving the world-class ability of Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani the chance to do the damage up top. Egypt next faces the host nation in Russia on June 19 at Saint Petersburg Stadium. Russia has a major sense of uncertainty surrounding the side going into the tournament. With the obvious problems off the field that have tarred Russia's reputation, on the pitch there are as many questions still to be answered surrounding the style of play and starting lineup. Egypt's final opponent in Group A is Saudi Arabia. Managed by former Chile boss Juan Antonio Pizzi, the side will mostly look to sit deep and stifle opposition. Looking unlikely to be full of goals, The Green Falcons will look to Mohamed al-Sahawi to covert when chances to do come. Assuming Egypt makes it out of Group A, it will face a difficult challenge in the round of 16. With Portugal and Spain both drawn in Group B, finishing first or second will likely provide an extremely difficult opponent. If Egypt were able to make it past either the likes of Portugal or Spain, there is no let up in the last eight as the likely opposition will come in the form of Argentina. If the magic of Salah can pull his nation to the last four, the reigning World Champions in Germany are most favored to be waiting there.
