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

"I think nobody can deny his importance," said the Egyptian coach Hector Cuper. "He was feeling good to play... We would have all preferred his injury to not occur."

He said that the team did well in the first half. "There are 10 to 12 minutes when we did very badly, making some mistakes. That is why we lost," said the 62-year-old Argentinian tactician.

"Our players have done their best and made enormous efforts," he said. "I am proud of them. Maybe we lack a little extra things to win, but I must recognize the great efforts they had after 20 years in which Egypt did not take part in the World Cup."

After the game between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, Russia and Egypt will have their last group match next Monday, before the groups who will advance to the knockout stage will be finally decided.