Hosts Russia continue goal spree despite return of Egypt's Salah

Russia, who last advanced into the knockout stage in 1986 as the team of Soviet Union, moves another step closer to qualifying in the last 16 of the World Cup.

"We have learned from our mistakes that did not allow us to be more successful in the past," said the coach Stanislav Cherchesov. "We analysed the situation in terms of preparation and selection of players. Now we are happy we have two wins on our belt and that we are giving this joy to our supporters."

"We have a group of solidarity. We need to rest well and see who is ready to do what and prepare ourselves well for the next game," he said.

While hope for the Egyptian team, who are in their first World Cup since Italy 1990, was dampened in the rainy evening. In the opening World Cup Group A match against Uruguay, the Pharaohs lost 1-0. Salah, who was the recipient of the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2017-18 season, scored 44 goals in all competitions for Liverpool last season and netted 70 percent of all Egypt's goals in qualifying, missed the game due to shoulder injury.