Ramadan, which lasted from May 16 and to June 14 this year, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting from dawn until sunset.

"Ramadan is Ramadan and it's a sensitive topic. During the preparation we tried to do everything that was necessary. I personally think that Egyptian players are used to that [fasting], so it won't be an excuse for, say, today's match," Cuper said at a press conference.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Thursday and will continue until July 15, with the matches set to be played in 11 Russian cities.

Egypt will next play Russia on Tuesday and Saudi Arabia on June 25 in their remaining two Group A matches.