LIVE: Saudi Arabia v Egypt | World Cup 2018

Match Info:

Match K.O. 16:00 Cairo local time | 10:00 ET Canada | USA
Venue: Volgograd Arena (Volgograd)
Referee: W. Rold�n (Colombia)

A wounded Egypt side, who were buzzing with excitement ahead of their first World Cup appearance in 28 years but came crashing down to earth after a poor campaign, will be playing for pride when they meet Saudi Arabia in Volgograd on Monday.

The Pharaohs initially looked promising despite an opening 1-0 defeat by Uruguay as they were lauded for a solid defensive display, but had a night to forget in Saint Petersburg when they were outclassed by a physical and clinical Russia side, who ran out 3-1 winners last week.

Saudi Arabia also suffered two losses, including an embarrassing 5-0 reverse against Russia in the opening World Cup game on 14 June, to exit the tournament

Egypt have an extra motivation to claim all three points – they have never won a World Cup game.

Mohamed Salah was also under the spotlight after he was given an honorary citizenship by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov as the strongman ruler hosted a farewell dinner for the Egyptian national team on Friday.

Egypt denied a CNN report that Salah was contemplating international retirement “due to his unhappiness over what has happened in Chechnya”.

The Liverpool star is expected to lead their attack against Saudi Arabia. He missed the opening loss to Uruguay due to a shoulder injury but played in the defeat by Russia, scoring the Pharaohs’ only goal from a second-half penalty.

Salah, who is expected lead Egypt’s attack against Saudi Arabia, netted 34 goals in 58 international appearances.