Mo Salah inspires Egypt advantage, Italy OUT of World Cup after defeat, Portugal through to final

Good morning World Cup fans

Egypt have avenged their Afcon final loss to Senegal with a 1-0 win over Sadio Mane and his team-mates.

A Saliou Ciss own goal was the difference between the two African nations.

The defender’s costly mistake hands Egypt a vital advantage going into the World Cup play-off second leg.

Algeria also drew first blood in the World Cup play-off tie against Cameroon.

Riyad Mahrez and Co edged a 1-0 win over a Cameroon side that haven’t lost on home soil since 2000.

Algeria put one foot into the World Cup in Qatar after Islam Slimani scored the winner.

Meanwhile, Robbie Savage has picked out Rangers star Aaron Ramsey as one of the heroes for Wales after they beat Austria on Thursday.

Speaking to The Mirror, Savage said: “There are other heroes who have taken Wales to the gates of Qatar 2022, notably manager Robert Page, who has done an outstanding job with brave team selection and rekindling the dragon’s fire.

“Aaron Ramsey’s quality, Daniel James’ pace, Joe Rodon’s temperament under siege, Ben Davies’ know-how, the list goes on and on.”

Elsewhere, Wales boss Rob Page says that he’ll understand if neutral fans across the globe support Ukraine if the two sides meet in the play-off final.

He said: “I completely understand that people will support Ukraine.

“It’s appalling what the Ukrainians are having to go through. It’s not acceptable whatsoever. Every day you watch the news and it’s not right.

“Understandably, if Ukraine do well and go through then there’s going to be the world supporting them because of the emotion attached to it.”

In other news, Paolo Di Canio claims he expected Italy to get knocked out of the World Cup by North Macedonia.

He said: “Last night I was very calm on the sofa, maybe too much so. I had a feeling it would end up like this, I saw it immediately.

“Seeing the images again makes me even more angry. There was too much frenzy and nervousness, even Mancini from the first minute was only pointing out the player’s mistake.

“He was worried, it was not the attitude that reflected the words before the game, when he talked about winning the World Cup. After the game last night I had the disappointment of those who expected it.”

Finally, Italy’s conquerors North Macedonia take on Portugal in the play-off finals and Cristiano Ronaldo has warned his national team-mates not to take them lightly.

Ronaldo, 37, tweeted: “The first step has been taken towards our great objective, towards the 2022 World Cup.

“Nothing is won, nothing is achieved.

“We have to continue to work in a serious and focused way, respecting the opponent but always believing in our abilities. Power Portugal! Go to Qatar!”