Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba were on target again as Russia thrashed Egypt 3-1 in their second group A game on Tuesday.
Like in their opener against Saudi Arabia, both netted in the second half after another superb performance at the New Zenit Stadium in St Petersburg.
Cheryshev and Dzyuba were handed starting berths, following their heroics in that match against the Saudis, when both players came off the bench to inspire the host to a stunning 5-0 win.
Once again, they proved decisive as the hosts took a giant step towards qualification for the knockout stages with a convincing victory over the Pharaohs, who welcomed back Mohamed Salah to their team.
It was the first meeting between the two nations, but they came into the game with contrasting positions. While Russia were in buoyant mood following that win, Egypt needed to avoid defeat to keep their slim hope of staying in the tournament alive.
However, the Pharaohs didn’t have the best of starts, as Russia started the strongest, and dominated the opening first quarter of the match.
Egypt slowly grew into it, after weathering the early storm, but both teams struggled to create any real chance as the half ended with nothing to separate the two.
After the break, it was Russia who had their noses in front when an unfortunate own goal by Ahmed Fathi handed the home side a 1-0 advantage.
12 minutes later, two goals in the space of three minutes saw the Russians put the game beyond the reach of their African opponents.
First, Cheryshev calmly finished a perfectly weighted low cross from Mario Fernandes to double their lead just before the hour mark, before Dzyuba sealed victory with a brilliant third three minutes later.
Salah pulled one back for Egypt late on from the spot, after the VAR awarded them a penalty, but it was too late for any fight back.
The win means Russia remain top of Group A on six points, while Egypt are rock bottom, and could be heading home if Uruguay defeat Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
