World Cup: Elneny and Ospina defeated

Mohamed Elneny

We had another two first-team players in World Cup action on Tuesday.

David Ospina played the full 90 minutes of Colombia’s World Cup opener against Japan. La Tricolor got off to the worst possible start when Carlos Sanchez was sent off for a deliberate handball and Shinji Kagawa sent our No 13 the wrong way from the spot.

But Jose Pekerman’s 10 men fought back valiantly and were soon on level terms once more when Eiji Kawashima failed to keep out Juan Fernando Quintero’s clever free-kick.

Japan looked to make their numerical advantage count after the break but Ospina was in brilliant form for Colombia. The 29-year-old first saved from Yuya Osako at his near post before making a fine stop to keep out Takashi Inui, but could do nothing to prevent Osako from securing all three points for Japan.

David Ospina

In Group A, Mohamed Elneny played 64 minutes of Egypt’s defeat against tournament hosts Russia. Ahmed Fathy’s own goal gave Russia the lead before Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba extended their advantage after the break.

Mohamed Salah pulled one back from the spot, but the result means that Elneny and Egypt’s World Cup campaign is all but over after just two games.

Mohamed Elneny