Egypt can still advance from the group stage

Egypt’s World Cup didn’t begin the way they wanted, but they still have a legitimate chance of advancing out of Group A.

Egypt dropped their first match against Uruguay 1-0, but showed a ton of promise despite the result. The Pharaohs conceded in the final minutes of the match, Jose Giminez heading in the game-winner from a free-kick, but can take heart from the way they competed against the group favorites. That they did it without their best player, Mohamed Salah, should give them even more cause for optimism. Here are three reasons the Pharaoh’s can still advance out of the group.

Mohamed El Shenawy is the wall Egypt need

Hector Cuper’s decision to go with Mohamed El Shenawy in goal ahead of Essam El Hadary paid off in Egypt’s first match.

Egypt’s goalkeeper was a big reason the Pharaohs nearly escaped with a point. He finished the match with four saves and kept two of the world’s top strikers, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez, off the score sheet.

His performance earned him Budweiser Man of the Match, though he rejected it for religious reasons.

Getting Uruguay out of the way first will prove to be beneficial for Egypt and Shenawy. They’ve already played the best team in the group, and if Shenawy replicates his first performance, Egypt won’t concede many more goals.

Competition in Group A

Next up for the Pharaohs is host nation Russia, who won their opener 5-0 against Saudi Arabia. Russia dominated their first match, but that may have had more to do with the quality of the opposition than anything else.

That should benefit Egypt, who are coming off a match against much better opponents. If they can get a win, they’ll further benefit from getting to play Saudi Arabia last, knowing, if goal difference is a factor, as it looks like it will be, how many goals they need.

Next: The best player on every team at the World Cup

The return of Mohamed Salah

Of course the most obvious reason Egypt still have a legitimate shot at advancing is the return of their star player, Mohamed Salah.

Salah, who was injured in the Champions League final against Real Madrid in May, didn’t play in Egypt’s first match.

According to Salah’s agent, it appears the dynamic playmaker is fit and should be on the pitch against Russia.

The return of Salah is exactly what Egypt need to regain confidence and earn enough points to advance. Salah’s presence on the field completely changes an opposing team’s game plan.

With him on the pitch, Egypt’s overall pace becomes quicker, they’re more creative and he’ll help create more opportunities. Salah’s return will lift his country through the group stage.