“It feels great to win our first match against such an opponent. We pushed harder and harder with every minute and finally made it, which is very comforting mentally and important at the beginning of the World Cup. Egypt were very solid [in defense], and this match was not an easy one for us,” Gimenez told journalists.

The 23-year-old defender headed home Carlos Sanchez's free-kick to hand Uruguay a win in their first match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Uruguay are now second in their Group A behind hosts Russia, who thrashed Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening match of the tournament on Thursday.

Russia's first-ever FIFA World Cup will last until July 15, with a total of 64 matches to be held at 12 stadiums across 11 cities.