Russia goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov said Saturday that the Egyptian national team, who are set to face Russia in their second Group A match, had a solid team who fought for the ball on every part of the pitch.
"My opinion is strictly personal, I noticed that it [Egypt] is a solid team who fights for the ball on every part of the pitch,” Gabulov told journalists.
Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy won the Man of the Match award for his performance in Friday's match against Uruguay, that his side lost 1-0. However, according to Gabulov, the team was not focusing on the keeper.
"There are no weak goalkeepers at the World Cup. He did make a few impressive saves though. Egypt's weaknesses? The most important thing is to cope with the pressure," Gabulov said.
On Thursday, Russia thrashed Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the World Cup opening game at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.
The hosts will play their next game against Egypt in St. Petersburg on Tuesday. The games of the 2018 FIFA World Cup will be held at 12 stadiums across 11 Russian cities till July 15.
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