World Cup Group Stage Rundown

Group A closed off without any shocking surprises.

Uruguay topped the group and Russia followed behind in second. Saudi Arabia’s 2-1 win over Egypt put them at third, leaving The Pharoah's at the bottom of the group.

After doubtful displays against Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Uruguay came out at the end and proved why they are a true contender to win it all. They advanced to the next round with three straight victories in the group stage and are the first team to do so with a clean sheet in each game since Argentina in 1998.

Edinson Cavani also became the third Uruguayan to score in three editions of the World Cup. Teammate Luis Suarez was the first to do so.

After a nightmare game against the Russians, the Saudi Arabia gave up a fight against Uruguay, though they still had not scored.

However, the Arabians went home on a high after stunning Egypt in a 2-1 comeback victory.

The Falcon’s star, Mohammed Al-Sahlawi, notched 16 goals throughout qualifying but failed to get on the score sheet in Russia.

Russia was able to silence doubters, advancing tqo the Round of 16 with some impressive displays against Saudi Arabia (5-0) and Egypt (3-1). They did succumb to tougher opposition, falling to Uruguay in a 3-0 defeat.

Villareal midfielder, Denis Cheryshev, looks to be a contender for the Golden Boot, with three goals under his name so far.

As for Egypt, they head back home without a win at a World Cup.

Maybe Mohammed Salah could have made a difference had he been fit for the opening game against Uruguay, who looked rather poor and were lucky enought to score a last-minute header, thanks to Gimenez. Unfortunately, we’ll never know.

Though Salah did notch two goals in two games, it wasn’t enough for the Egyptians to avoid elimination.

Who knows when Egypt will have another opportunity to bag their first victory at the tournament? Only time can tell.

Maybe Egypt can take pride in knowing they have a record holder.

Egypt’s goalkeeper, Essam El-Hadary, did become the oldest player to appear at a Wolrd Cup at 45 years of age.

Uruguay kick off knockout play against Portugal, led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, on Saturday at 9:00 a.m.

Russia find themselves facing off against Spain, who are looking to redeem themselves following their group stage exit in 2014, on Sunday at 9:00 a.m.