World Cup 2018: 3 Things that went Wrong for Egypt against Russia

#1 Woeful Salah

Mohamed Salah was completely wasted in Egypt's formation

Finally, it's time to address the elephant in the room. Salah went completely missing last night, despite the Egyptian hopes largely resting on his shoulders.

While the wizard himself couldn't reproduce his fantastic form at club level, it's his tactical role in the African team, that is truly puzzling.

When watching Ronaldo for Portugal, Messi for Argentina or even Gareth Bale for Wales, the centre-pieces of so-called 'one-man-teams', you can see them begging for the ball. They move deeper and deeper, even into their own half, to get their team going and initiate their teams' attacks.

Salah was almost a non-factor in Egypt's defeat and last night was an indicator, that the Egyptian still has a lot of potential before reaching the top of his game. Rather than being at the heart of his nation's attacks, the Liverpool star rarely left his favoured right win to get involved in the build-up play.

Admittedly, Salah isn't a typical playmaker and his pace is arguably his greatest asset, but at international level he simply needs to be more involved to help his team onto the right track.

The winger is undoubtedly the best footballer in Egypt's side and he should probably work more towards the middle of the park, in order to elevate his teammates' level of play. He may have scored the penalty, but after watching today's match, it's hard to believe that a Ballon d'Or contender graced the Saint Petersburg pitch in a night to forget for the Africans.

19 - Mohamed Salah has had fewer touches than any other Egyptian outfield player in the first half against Russia. Search. pic.twitter.com/beR9WklLng

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) June 19, 2018

---

Is Egypt's World Campaign over? Sound off in the comments section below!