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Saudi Arabia beat Egypt 2-1 draw in Volgograd to end their World Cup campaign on a high.
It was Mohamed Salah who initially put the northern African side ahead with a moment of magic, bringing a long ball under control before chipping Saudi Arabia’s goalkeeper.
But the Saudis pulled back from the spot at the second time of asking before Salem Al-Dawsari struck late in added time to secure their first World Cup win since 1994.
So how did the two teams fare? See the gallery below for our player ratings:
World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratingsShow all 22 1 /22World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Yasser Al Mosailem – 6/10 Got his decision-making wrong for Salah’s goal; shouldn’t have been so cavalier in rushing off his line to challenge for the ball. Looked uneasy at times dealing with Egypt’s deliveries from the flank. Made up for it with some important late saves.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Mohammed Al-Burayk – 6/10 Not afraid to push on from right-back. Threatened with the occasional delivery into Egypt’s box.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Osama Hawsawi – 5/10 Positioning was all over the shop. After struggling to deal with Salah for his first, was almost made to pay moments later when the winger broke through on goal – only to dink his shot wide.
AP
World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Motaz Hawsawi – 6/10 Notably impressed in a ball-chase against Salah, using his pace and power to deny the Egyptian what would have been a break through on goal. But suffered from repeated lapses in concentration with his passing and positioning.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Yasser Al-Shahrani – 5/10 Flew under the radar somewhat. Struggled to deal with the threat of Salah as much as his defensive partners.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Abdullah Otayf – 7/10 Had tricky task of guarding his back line against a free-roaming Salah. No surprises to see him struggling early on. Settled into the game though and ended in full control of the match.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Hattan Bahebri – 5/10 Not that effective in all. Went missing too often and failed to properly threaten from the flank.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Housain Al-Mogahwi – 6/10 It was his misplaced pass that preceded Salah’s goal. A quiet game at first but became more involved during Saudi Arabia's better periods.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Salman Al-Faraj – 7/10 Should have found the back of the net with his first-half effort from the centre of Egypt’s box. Sent it wide instead. Made up for it with his penalty which had Hadary comfortably beat. Grew as the game went on.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Salem Al-Dawsari – 7/10 Effective coming in from the flank. Threatened with his pace and passing. Repeatedly got the better of his opposite men out on that left wing. Bagged the winning goal in style.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Fahad Al-Muwallad – 6/10 Failed to convert from the spot for Saudi Arabia’s first penalty. Struggled to make his presence felt.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Essam El-Hadary – 7/10 Proved that age is just a number with his magnificent save for Al Muwallad’s penalty, pushing the strike up and onto the upright. Then got injured. Then recovered. Then failed to save Saudi Arabia’s second penalty. Will have been gutted to have been beaten late on. A memorable game in all.
EPA
World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Ahmed Fathy – 5/10 A disappointing display from him. Gifted Saudi Arabia a number of chances through his poor positioning and passing. Conceded the first penalty.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Ali Gabr 5/10 Unlucky to concede the second penalty of the match, with both players grabbing each other’s shirt in the Egypt box. A harsh decision that could have gone both ways. Started off comfortably but the edge went from his game at times. Lacked consistency.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Ahmed Hegazi – 6/10 Solid under pressure from the high ball. A commanding presence for much of the game, though his positioning was found wanting at times.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Mohamed Abdel-Shafy - 5/10 A lot of Saudi Arabia’s play came down the right flank. Struggled to contain the threat.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Mohamed Elneny – 6/10 Nothing to shout about from his performance. Moved the ball on where appropriate; looked decent in tight spaces. Put in a shift.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Tarek Hamed – 6/10 Put in a crucial block in the first half to deny Saudi Arabia what would have then been an equaliser. Worked hard for his teammates. Nothing special though.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Abdallah Said – 6/10 Fantastic ball over the top for Salah’s goal; weighted to perfection. Brought off just before the break though.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Mohamed Salah – 7/10 Sublime touch and finish for his goal. Should have added a second moments later but his dinked attempt was hit wide. Showcased his technical side with some very slick footwork to set up Trézéguet for a chance (which was missed). Egypt’s best player by far.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Trézéguet – 6/10 Always catches the eye with his pace but the end product is still missing from his game – as was the case against Saudi Arabia. Had prime opportunity to double Egypt’s lead after Salah had set him up but sent his effort wide.
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World Cup: Saudi Arabia vs Egypt player ratings Marwan Mohsen – 6/10 Worked the space well in the final third and found himself in some promising goal-scoring opportunities. Missed that dynamic edge, though.
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