FIFA World Cup: Russia beat Egypt to lead group
St. Petersburg, June 20 : Russia defeated Egypt 3-1 in a Group A clash on Tuesday to virtually assure themselves a place in the next round of the FIFA World Cup here. A goal by Egypt defender Ahmed Fathi (47th minute) opened the scoring just after the break.
Denis Cheryshev (59th) and Artem Dzyuba (62nd) produced two superb strikes in quick succession to give a formidable lead.
Star forward Mohamed Salah converted a penalty in the 73rd minute to score Egypt's first World Cup goal since 1990.
Russia, who have won two matches on the trot, lead the group with six points. They had thrashed Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening match of the tournament.
Egypt, who had lost to Uruguay in their first match, are yet to open their account.
They will now have to beat Saudi Arabia in their third match and hope that the South Americans slip up in their remaining games.
This has been a disappointing campaign for the North Africans who are making their first appearance in 28 years at football's biggest stage.
Salah, who has made a rather hurried comeback after dislocating his left shoulder during last month's Champions League final, took the field for the first time since that fateful day.
But the Liverpool FC star found the going tough against the well organised Russian defence. Although the Egypt midfield did well, they lacked teeth upfront.
Both teams were more or less equally matched and both had their share of half chances in the first-half.
The game burst into life after the break when the hosts took the lead.
Russia were lucky to score on that occasion as a rather hopeful attempt by Roman Zobnin took a deflection off Fathi's knee and was diverted into the net.
However, there was nothing lucky about the hosts' other goals.
The Russians doubled their lead when Mario Fernandes did brilliantly to make room on the right inside the penalty box before cutting the ball where Cheryshev punished Egypt for some sloppy man marking with an excellent finish.
It was the third goal in two games for Cheryshev.
Dzyuba virtually sealed the victory when he chested down a ball from Ilya Kutepov before finding the target with a powerful shot at the near post.
Although rattled, Egypt did display some urgency and earned a penalty -- aided by VAR replays -- when Salah went down just inside the box.
The forward stepped up to blast in the penalty and reduce the deficit.
However, it were Russians who enjoyed the upper hand and closed off a well deserved win.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Vijay sworn in as TN CM; TVK chief's core team finds place in cabinet
Chennai (PTI): C Joseph Vijay was sworn-in as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Sunday in a colourful ceremony attended by top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, ushering in the first non-DMK, non-AIADMK government in the southern state in 60 years.
His cabinet was a mix of young and experienced, with the TVK chief's core team finding place in the maiden ministry of the 51 year-old actor-turned-politician.
In his first address, Vijay said he was not from any royal lineage and that people welcomed and accepted him. He said he will not deceive people with false promises.
Vijay's parents-- S A Chandrasekhar and Shobha, top actor Trisha and a whole lot of invitees attended the ceremony at the sprawling Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.
His first signatures on government files were to provide 200 units free electricity for domestic consumers, creating a special force for women's safety.
Governor RV Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay and nine of his cabinet members, who included Dravidian veteran K A Sengottaiyan and young faces Dr TK Prabhu and S Keerthana.
Amid continuous "whistling" by TVK cadres, Vijay took oath as the chief minister in the name of God and the ministers too took the oath in the name of God unlike most in the outgoing DMK regime.
TVK leaders Aadhav Arjuna, N Anand, R Nirmal Kumar, KG Arunraj and Sengottaiyan-- all considered members of Vijay's inner team, took oath as ministers.
In a departure from his trademark white shirt and beige/khaki trousers, Vijay on Sunday was decked for the occasion. He was clad in a crisp white shirt, dark pants and topped them with a blazer. With most of his cabinet colleagues also wearing shirts and trousers, the dress code of the TVK cabinet also seemed to be a departure from the usual, as white dhoti and white shirt has been the norm largely for men in Tamil Nadu politics.
Vijay's parent were visibly overjoyed and emotional in witnessing their son scale a political peak in his maiden elections, which he won two years after floating the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
The Sunday swearing-in ushered in the first non-DMK, non-AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu, the Dravidian heartland in about 60 years, and came amidst a euphoric atmosphere with Viay fans and supporters relishing the occasion.
Vijay wrapped up the hour-long event by clicking a selfie with those on the stage, including Rahul Gandhi and his cabinet colleagues.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium transformed into a sea of excitement as thousands gathered to witness the historic transofrmation of their 'Thalapathy' (Commander) into 'Muthalamaichar,' the CM.
The atmosphere across the city was one of hard-won victory and high expectations.
Inside the venue, the mood was electric. "We are very happy because of Thalapathy," a supporter said, echoing the sentiments of the crowds arriving since dawn.
Whistles, the TVK symbol, blared like microphones while supporters flashed the party coloured shawls with the dominant yellow to celebrate their leader's ascent to power.
Actress Sanam Shetty, speaking to reporters, described the moment as a breakthrough for Tamil Nadu politics.
"Even after winning the majority, even after creating a historic moment... the gruelling past week of political dynamic shifts hasn't allowed us to sleep peacefully. Today, we are going to sleep peacefully, dreaming of a better Tamil Nadu in the safe hands of our beloved Thalapathy Joseph Vijay sir," she said.
The emotional weight of the day was most visible at the residence of Vijay’s father, Chandrasekhar.
Vijay’s mother, Shoba Chandrasekhar, expressed immense confidence in her son's new role, stating, "Vijay will lead this well; I have full faith in him".
The cultural impact of the day was also evident as members of the film fraternity, including actor Trisha, were seen leaving their residences to attend the ceremony. The event falls on Mother's Day, a coincidence noted by several family members and supporters as a poetic start for the "true son of Tamil Nadu".
