Uruguay late show breaks Egypt hearts

By Mark Langdon 6:08PM 15 JUN 2018

World Cup dark horses Uruguay left it late but they eventually started their Group A campaign with a victory after seeing off Egypt 1-0.

Jose Gimenez was the Uruguay hero, heading home on 89 minutes to finally find a way past Egypt's determined defence.

The result leaves Uruguay level on three points alongside hosts Russia and there should be another win coming next up against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday if the Asians repeat their horrendous performance when losing 5-0 on Thursday.

Uruguay are 4-6 to finish top of the group with Russia 6-4 shots and Oscar Tabarez's men are 1-25 to reach the knockout stage.

It was, however, a frustrating 90 minutes for anyone who backed Luis Suarez or Edinson Cavani in the top goalscorer markets. Suarez missed two golden opportunities and Cavani struck the post, while Uruguay remain 28-1 to win the World Cup.

Egypt, who meet Russia on Tuesday, are 7-2 to qualify and they will be desperate for star man Mohamed Salah to recover from his shoulder injury having sat on the bench throughout the defeat.

There was also late drama in the Group B contest as Aziz Bouhaddouz's injury-time own goal handed Iran a 1-0 win over Morocco to land a 3-1 upset.

There is a marathon of football matches on throughout Saturday with the action starting at 11am with France versus Australia and finishes with Croatia against Nigeria, with Argentina tackling Iceland and Peru meeting Denmark.

Bet365 have set their goals line at over/under 9.5 for the quartet of fixtures with both sides at 5-6, while France are 7-4 favourites from 11-4 Argentina to be the highest-scoring nation.

Marcus Rashford has returned to training as England prepare for Monday's fixture against Tunisia with the likely starting 11 beginning to take shape for Gareth Southgate's side.

Assuming there are no late injuries it is expected to be Jordan Pickford in goal with a back three of Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire. Kieran Trippier and Ashley Young are tipped for the wing-back roles with Jordan Henderson as the defensive midfielder and Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard are expected to take up more advanced roles behind Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.

Away from the World Cup and Coral have suspended their betting on Chelsea's next manager after Maurizio Sarri was being backed at 1-6 to replace Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge.