Egypt better than Saudi Arabia – Alan Dzagoev
Russia midfielder Alan Dzagoev sees Egypt as a better side than previous group opponent Saudi Arabia.
The CSKA Moscow midfielder, after sustaining a hamstring injury, was substituted before half time during the Sbornaya’s 5-0 thumping of Saudi Arabia in the 2018 Fifa World Cup opener.
Dzagoev will miss the last two fixtures against Egypt and Uruguay but he is confident his team will beat the Pharaohs, despite their top quality, on Tuesday. For the recently turned 28-year-old, a triumph over the Africans will be a nice birthday present.
“The team has not given me anything [for the birthday] yet, but a positive result against Egypt would be enough,” Dzagoev said.
“We watched Egypt’s previous game. They’re good at pressing and defense, of course, [they are] at a higher level than Saudi Arabia.
“I hope, we’ll win, we hope for a positive result,” he added.
Russia currently top the group, while Egypt sit third behind Uruguay, who managed to snatch a late 1-0 win against the Pharaohs.