World Cup 2018, Egypt vs Uruguay: What time is kick-off, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?
What is it?
The second match of the 2018 World Cup sees Egypt take on Uruguay in a match that could go some way to deciding the winner of Group B.
When is it?
Friday, June 15.
What time is kick off?
1pm UK time.
What TV channel is it on?
The BBC will be given their first opportunity to show off their new star-studded punditry team, with coverage scheduled for a 12:30pm start on BBC One.
Where is it being played?
Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg, which has had its capacity increased to 35,000 especially for the World Cup.
Will Mohamed Salah play?
The Liverpool forward has given his national team a timely boost less than 48 hours until their first World Cup game.
Egypt's star man was a major doubt for the competition after injuring shoulder ligaments in a clash with Sergio Ramos during Liverpool's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
On Monday, Egypt's medical staff stated they remained unsure whether he would be fit for their opening game as he did not take part in a training session.
However on Wednesday afternoon the 25-year-old took part in an Egypt training session, going through a range of warm-up exercises with his teammates.
“I can almost assure you 100 per cent he will play, save unforeseen circumstances at the very last minute,” said Egypt’s coach, Hector Cuper, on the eve of the game.
What's the team news?
Uruguay's all-time leading goalscorer Luis Suarez will lead the line for the South Americans alongside PSG striker Edinson Cavani.
The pair have 91 international goals between them and will be supported in attack by 26-year-old playmaker Matias Vecino, who impressed at Inter Milan last season.
Arsenal target, Lucas Torreira, who is understood to have been the subject of £25m bid from the London club, could start in holding midfield.
What are they saying?
Salah’s presence will be hailed by his country who feared the worst when his shoulder suffered under the weight of a challenge by Sergio Ramos in Kiev.
It is also good news for the competition given the genuine concern for his fitness in the immediate aftermath of the final.
But in the build-up, Cuper insisted his side could survive even without their talismanic playmaker.
“Egypt is lucky that this generation has one of the best players in the world but our tactics don’t solely revolve around him," he told Egyptian TV.
“Argentina also has Lionel Messi, can we tell them not to play him? This doesn’t happen."
Uruguay top goalscorer Luis Suarez has insisted he is a much more mature player since sparking controversy in his previous two World Cup tournaments.
The Barcelona forward prevented a certain goal for Ghana with a deliberate handball on the line in 2010 and then infamously bit Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in Brazil 2014.
"The games are very demanding and I have matured a lot," he said ahead of Uruguay's first match.
"But despite changing in some aspects, my way of playing will be exactly the same because that's how I live football and how I'm like.
"Nobody has ever given me anything and as a boy I learned to enjoy each time I have the ball.
"Any player dreams of playing in and winning a World Cup. Now South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 are in the past. I arrive with other expectations, other players and other sensations that motivate you to go far in the World Cup,"
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What are the betting odds?
Egypt win 8/1
Uruguay win 4/9
Draw 3/1
What's our prediction?
Egypt are so dependent on Mohamed Salah that the outcome of the match could hinge on whether he is fit enough to take part. If, as expected, the Liverpool winger will not recover in time for Saturday, Uruguay should be more than capable of shutting out Hector Cuper's side.
Prediction: Egypt 0-2 Uruguay
