WORLD CUP FOCUS: Uruguay captain Godin wary of Egypt talisman Salah

Egypt's Mohammed Salah (C) and the team celebrate after scoring the 1:0 during the soccer friendly game Portugal against Egypt in the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich, Switzerland, 23 March 2018. EPA/MELANIE DUCHENE

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Sunday Jun 03, 2018. 12:32

Uruguay captain Diego Godin says he cannot go up against Egypt talisman Mohamed Salah in a open game at the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

The Sky Blue are in Group A alongside tournament hosts, Russia, Asian side Saudi Arabia and African giants Egypt.

Godin spoke to Spanish media outlet Marca and he was asked about Liverpool FC winger Salah.

Salah sustained a shoulder injury during English side Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League final in Ukraine last month.

“Let’s see what happens with his injury. I’ve never faced him but it is clear that he’s very fast and I can’t go up against him in an open game,” Godin said.

The experienced defender believes that they will find a way to stop Salah, who has established himself as one of the best players in world football.

“So, football is not just about running. There are other ways to defend against him. With help from teammates, reducing spaces, that kind of thing,” he continued.

Godin, who is on the books of Spanish club Atletico Madrid, has over caps over 100 caps for Uruguay and he’s one of the best defenders in the world.

Egypt will lock horns with Uruguay in their opener of the World Cup on June 15th.