Coming into their opening match at Russia 2018, Uruguay had a monkey on their back. The last time the team had won their first match at the World Cup, Pele was still playing football. It was 48 years ago in Mexico. Since then, in their six World Cup openers, they had lost three and drawn three. And for 88 minutes against Egypt, it looked like that run will continue in Russia as well.
But up stepped Jose Gimenez from a set-piece to break Egypt’s hearts. The Africans, returning to the World Cup after 28 long years, fought bravely against a much-fancied Uruguay team, even in the absence of their talisman Mohammad Salah. Their performance didn’t deserve a defeat. You could see it on Salah’s face when the cameras panned to him in the aftermath of Gimenez’s thumping header.
For Gimenez and Uruguay though, the monkey was off their back. They finally broke the win-less run in World Cup opening fixtures and did that in dramatic style. The celebration on the pitch was expectedly crazy – late goals tend to invariably bring the purest expressions of joy on footballers’ faces.
But it’s nothing compared to what a bunch of kids experienced watching the match in a school in Uruguay. With their countries flags wrapped around them, a group of children went wild with celebrations, the momenth Gimenez’s strike found the back of the net. It was sheer unadulterated joy – the one that would put a smile on even Egyptian fans’ faces, we’d be willing to bet.
Have a look. If you love sport, if you love football, this would make your weekend. Even if you don’t, it’ll make you smile, that much is guaranteed.
Beautiful game, indeed!
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!