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JOSE GIMENEZ netted a dramatic 90th minute winner for Uruguay as they beat Egypt 1-0 in their World Cup opener.

The Atletico Madrid centre-back got on the end of a Carlos Sanchez delivery to head home in the closing stages.

 Uruguay centre-back Jose Gimenez netted a dramatic winner against Egypt
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Uruguay centre-back Jose Gimenez netted a dramatic winner against EgyptCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Atletico Madrid centre-back Gimenez wheels away in delight after his 90th minute winner
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Atletico Madrid centre-back Gimenez wheels away in delight after his 90th minute winnerCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Edinson Cavani struck the post late on with a free-kick, as the African nation failed to hold on for the point.

Oscar Tabarez's side disappointed in the Group A clash, as they failed to live up to the hype surrounding them.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez was toothless on his World Cup return.

The former Liverpool ace played his first competitive game since copping a nine-match ban for taking a bite out of Italy's Giorgio Chiellini in Brazil four years ago.

Egypt’s Mo Salah looks on in despair as Uruguay score in World Cup
 Luis Suarez was a frustrated figure for Uruguay in their World Cup opener against Egypt
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Luis Suarez was a frustrated figure for Uruguay in their World Cup opener against EgyptCredit: AFP or licensors
 Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was not fit enough to start the match against the South American nation
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Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was not fit enough to start the match against the South American nationCredit: EPA
 Barcelona striker Suarez reacts after missing a chance at the Yekaterinburg Arena
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Barcelona striker Suarez reacts after missing a chance at the Yekaterinburg ArenaCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Uruguay disappointed against the African country as they left it late to win
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Uruguay disappointed against the African country as they left it late to winCredit: AP:Associated Press

And the controversial forward's appeitite for goals seems to have faded in the meantime along with his hunger for human flesh.

He missed three chances to score a crucial goal and get Uruguay off to a flier in Russia and should stick to cannibalism.

The worst of his flunks came with 18 minutes to go when he was put clean through by team-mate Edinson Cavani only to fumble with the ball at his feet and allow himself to be easily dispossessed by Egypt keeper Mo Elshenawy.

Suarez did manage one shot on target but saw his 46th minute snap shot from inside the six yard box easily parried by the keeper.


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The frustrated star booted a pitch-side advertising board in response as he wasted so many opportunities to get himself back in the good books of understanding boss Hector Cuper.

Suarez also fluffed a good opportunity in the first half when he was clean through in the 24th minute when the African minnows failed to clear the danger from a corner.

The ball fell to him again from close range but he turned and blasted his shot into the side netting.

While Cavani almost broke the deadlock twice in the last ten minutes - first being expertly denied by the goalkeeper - before striking the woodwork from a set-piece.

 Egypt defender Ali Gabr impressed as he kept out Suarez and Edinson Cavani
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Egypt defender Ali Gabr impressed as he kept out Suarez and Edinson CavaniCredit: AFP or licensors
 Uruguay sit second in Group A behind Russia, who beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 yesterday
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Uruguay sit second in Group A behind Russia, who beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 yesterdayCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Uruguay were tipped as favourites to win this group and coast into the knockout rounds, but now it looks like a much tougher battle instead.

Arsenal's Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny will have felt right at home surrounded by thousands of empty seats at the 35,000 capacity Central Stadium as it looked much like the Emirates Stadium did towards the end of last season.

Liverpool's Mo Salah remained on the bench despite boss Cuper's claim that one of the biggest stars of the tournament was fully recovered from a dislocated shoulder suffered in the Champions League final last month.

It was Egypt's first game at the World Cup finals for 28 years but on this evidence it looks much like they will be heading home at the first stage.

It could be a 'pharoah' time before they return too.

 Uruguay players celebrate after Gimenez steered his header beyond Mohamed El-Shenawy
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Uruguay players celebrate after Gimenez steered his header beyond Mohamed El-ShenawyCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Marcus Rashford rejoins England team mates at their World Cup training base
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