EGYPT’S fairytale at this World Cup ended when they were beaten by the host Russia 3-1 at the Krestovsky Stadium in St Petersburg. One man who tried his all to help Egypt get a result was Mo Salah, who also scored their only goal in the tournament so far while not being fully fit.

The 26-year-old had a scintillating season with Liverpool as he scored 44 goals in all competitions helping the club reach the Champions League final and a whole nation was depending on him but things haven’t gone his or Egypt’s way.

Salah made his international debut in 2011 and since then has gone on to win 58 caps while scoring 34 goals which included a very important late goal against Congo Brazzaville that took Egypt to the World Cup after 28 years.

It is fair to say that Salah is a star back home and world-wide and to see him bow out of his first World Cup in such fashion is heartbreaking for his fans but he will try to make sure he can get Egypt their first win when they face Saudi Arabia today.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2018