Russia on brink of next stage after beating Egypt

World Cup hosts Russia kept up their free-scoring ways to move to the brink of a second round place with a 3-1 win over Egypt in their Group A match at the Saint Petersburg Stadium on Tuesday.

Russia's place in the knockout stages will be secured on Wednesday if Uruguay avoid defeat against Saudi Arabia in the next Group A game.

#RUS maintain their 100% record and take a massive step towards the knock-outs! #RUSEGY // #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/nGimGiIgui

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 19, 2018

Ahmed Fathi put the ball into his own net two minutes after halftime, followed by two goals in a three minute spell from Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba around the hour mark as Russia took their tournament goal tally to eight in two games.

Egyptian talisman Mohamed Salah, playing for the first time since injuring his shoulder in last month's Champions League final, pulled one back from a 73rd minute penalty, awarded after a review by the video assistant referee. 

Key stats:

👉 #RUS have now scored eight goals in their first two matches

👉 #RUS remain unbeaten at the #WorldCup against CAF-countries (W4-D1-L0), Egypt remain winless against UEFA countries at the World Cup (W0-D2-L3).#RUSEGY pic.twitter.com/fg1cnlk2Ti

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 19, 2018

And thus, after today's result, things are looking good for the hosts...#RUSEGY // #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/9eXSJdG2Pl

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 19, 2018