Yesterday I looked back at what happened on June 14th (opening day of Russia '18) in Brazil'14. The second day of this year's World Cup features one of the most eagerly awaited group phase matches, Spain vs Portugal, and also one of the most fascinating. It's one of the reasons that make World Cups so exciting: Egypt vs Uruguay is not a match that would ever happen unless they meet at a World Cup, and it's intriguing to think of a clash between one of the best African teams and a team of similar standing from South America.
Add in the fact that Egypt are coached by an Argentnian, Hector Cuper, and the current Liverpool star, Mohammed Salah, on one side against the former Liverpool hero, Luis Suarez, on the other and there are some interesting sub-plots.
Egypt last played in a World Cup in 1990, and Uruguay were in their second consecutive one after returning in 1986 having missed 1978 and 1982. Neither of them played on June 15th, but it gave me a reason to look back at them both at Italia '90.
Egypt were in a tough group with England, Republic of Ireland and Holland but came very close to making it to the second round. They drew with Holland and Ireland, and lost 1-0 to England. England topped the group with 4 points. Ireland and Holland both had three and they both moved on as the second placed team and one of the best third places teams.
For Uruguay a win against South Korea and a draw with Spain saw them grab a best third placed spot. They went on to lose to Italy 2-0 in the second round.
This year, Uruguay come in as South America's second best team in qualifying and Egypt, with Salah in incredible form, look like they are ready to go one better then 1990. This could be a day, and match, to mark in your calendar.
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