"The one who scores first will win. The odds are about 60 to 40 in Russia's favor," Berdyev said in an interview with the Russian newspaper Business Online.

He added that if Russia wanted to reach the knockout stage, it was crucial for them to keep Egypt star striker Mohamed Salah at bay.

"A lot will depend on how well we deal with Salah. If we decide how to deter him and manage to do so, then we'll get past the group stage. In the moments like when Egypt players were trying to pick out someone to pass the ball to in Uruguay's penalty area, Salah won't try to pick out anyone, he'll score by himself," Berdyev said.

Hosts Russia kicked off their World Cup campaign with a stunning 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the tournament, climbing to the top of their group, while Egypt suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Uruguay and currently sit third.