Russia vs Egypt: Own goals lead the way, Mohamed Salah struggles and Artem Dzyuba proves more than a handful

After a dreary first half with little action of note, the hosts improved in the second period to take control of the game

Russia all but sealed the place in the last 16 of the World Cup with another convincing victory, this time seeing off Egypt as Mohamed Salah made his return from injury.

After a dreary first half with little action of note, the hosts improved in the second period to take control of the game and despite Salah’s late penalty, held on to virtually end Egypt’s tournament.

Here are five things we learned from the match in St Petersburg:

Low standards

It was always suspected that Group A would be the lowest quality group at this World Cup. It contains two of the lowest ranked sides in the tournament – Russia and Saudi Arabia – and lacks any of the heavyweight contenders. The first half of this match might just have proved the point.

In a first 45 minutes full of endeavour but lacking end product, neither Russia nor Egypt were able to imprint any quality on the final third. Russia improved through the second half but in truth they have earned six points against two disappointing opponents, and it would not be a surprise to see every Group A side extinguished before the quarter-finals.

Salah back, but not really

Mohamed Salah made a tentative start in his first football match since the Champions League final and that infamous challenge by Sergio Ramos.

He plugged away gamely but seemed timid in attacking positions, choosing to pass instead of shoot, to turn back instead of take on his man. We will never know what might have been had he never suffered that injury, but there is the lingering sense that Egypt played this World Cup without their best player – even if he was on the pitch and scored their consolation goal.

Own goals lead the way

At the top of the goalscoring charts in Russia is Cristiano Ronaldo and now Denis Cheryshev, but even the Portuguese star is currently being outshined by the tally of own goals.

There have been five inadvertently turned past their own goalkeeper already, a number fast closing in on the all-time record for a World Cup of six own goals. While it is perhaps just an odd quirk, it is a symbol of some of the shaky defending already on display in this tournament, which has been responsible for more goals than the occasional moments of brilliant attacking play.

Dzyuba provides focal point

Artem Dzyuba started on the bench in Russia’s first match, coming on to score a header with virtually his first touch against Saudi Arabia. Against Egypt he was given the chance to start and he again showed his qualities, providing a physical threat and getting on the scoresheet again. The striker has a feisty relationship with his manager in years gone by but could yet be a crucial weapon in this tournament.

Dzyuba was a handful in attack (Getty Images)

The signs are promising

All great World Cups feature fantastic matches, genuine shocks and a host nation who make a deep run in the tournament. The first round of games and Russia’s opening double delivered all of those factors. Long may it continue.