A fan of Russia reacts prior to a Group A match between Russia and Egypt at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 19, 2018. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)
Russia, who last advanced into the knockout stage in 1986 as the team of Soviet Union, moves another step closer to qualifying in the last 16 of the World Cup.
"We have learned from our mistakes that did not allow us to be more successful in the past," said the coach Stanislav Cherchesov. "We analysed the situation in terms of preparation and selection of players. Now we are happy we have two wins on our belt and that we are giving this joy to our supporters."
"We have a group of solidarity. We need to rest well and see who is ready to do what and prepare ourselves well for the next game," he said.
While hope for the Egyptian team, who are in their first World Cup since Italy 1990, was dampened in the rainy evening. In the opening World Cup Group A match against Uruguay, the Pharaohs lost 1-0. Salah, who was the recipient of the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2017-18 season, scored 44 goals in all competitions for Liverpool last season and netted 70 percent of all Egypt's goals in qualifying, missed the game due to shoulder injury.
"I think nobody can deny his importance," said the Egyptian coach Hector Cuper. "He was feeling good to play... We would have all preferred his injury to not occur."
He said that the team did well in the first half. "There are 10 to 12 minutes when we did very badly, making some mistakes. That is why we lost," said the 62-year-old Argentinian tactician.
"Our players have done their best and made enormous efforts," he said. "I am proud of them. Maybe we lack a little extra things to win, but I must recognize the great efforts they had after 20 years in which Egypt did not take part in the World Cup."
After the game between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, Russia and Egypt will have their last group match next Monday, before the groups who will advance to the knockout stage will be finally decided.
