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BEIJING, May 28-- Assuming talisman Mohamed Salah is fit in time for Egypt's first World Cup appearance since 1990, the Pharaohs will still have their chance to make a name in the global football showpiece. The Egyptian Football Association announced that the Liverpool forward Salah has not been ruled out for Russia 2018 after departing Saturday's Champions League final against Real Madrid with a left shoulder injury. This at least brings some hope to Egypt, which qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. Egypt has been a dominant force in African football throughout the years, but an entire generation of Egyptians was deprived of seeing the national team compete on the biggest stage. The wait was finally over, when star man Salah bagged the goal in a late penalty against DR Congo. Salah almost single handedly booked the place in Russia for Egypt. And this charismatic 25-year-old will undoubtedly provide a major boost on the big stage of the sport if he can keep his excellent form. Egypt will play in Group A along with hosts Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. The team will be delighted with their draw, even though they begin their campaign with a tough assignment against Uruguay. Whether the first fixture against Uruguay, a title-contending team with top notch strikers like Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, will encourage the Pharaohs to raise their game or not, can be the key to the rest of their journey. | 
