FIFA World Cup 2018: 3 Things that went wrong for Egypt in their 0-1 loss to Uruguay

Jose Maria Gimenez's 88th minute goal gave Uruguay a much-needed win
Jose Maria Gimenez's 90th-minute goal gave Uruguay a much-needed win

#3 Mohamed Elneny has an off-day

Mohamed Elneny didn't have a good game at all for Egypt
Mohamed Elneny didn't have a good game at all for Egypt

In the absence of Salah, it was really up to Elneny to take up the mantle of being the talisman and lead Egypt on their biggest footballing day in 28 years.

Instead, it seemed like the pressure of the occasion got to the Arsenal man, who struggled to impose himself on a young Uruguayan midfield.

What will frustrate Cuper the most about Elneny's performance is that it came against a youthful Uruguayan midfield, that looked nervous and over-awed at times, by the occasion.

But Elneny too seemed to be caught up in a tangle of nerves. His pressing was all over the place, allowing himself to be easily bypassed by the South Americans.

But the most disappointing aspect of that performance was his passing. The number of times Elneny had a simple pass to play, and yet gave possession away must have been frustrating for an Egypt fan to watch.


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