Saudi Arabia have ended their 24-year wait for a win at the World Cup courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Egypt in Monday's Group A clash in Volgograd.
Mohamed Salah gave Egypt the lead and although Saudi Arabia missed one opportunity to equalise from the spot, a second controversially followed and Salman Al-Faraj made no mistake from 12 yards.
Saudi Arabia had the better of the second half but did not find a winner until the fifth minute of added-on time as Salem Al-Dawsari found the bottom corner with a volley from eight yards.
Find out how all of the action unfolded in Russia courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the World Cup fixture between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. These two teams cannot qualify for the last 16 but there will be a desire to ensure that they do not end the tournament with three successive defeats.
Before we move onto the facts and figures, let's take a look at the two teams, beginning with Saudi Arabia...
SAUDI ARABIA XI: Al Mosailem; Os.Hawsawi, Alburayk, Om.Hawsawi, Al Sharahni; Al Faraj, Al Dawsari, Otayf, Al Mohqawi, Bahbri; Al Muwallad
EGYPT XI: El-Hadary; Fathy, Gabr, Hegazy, Abdelshafy; Trezeguet, Hamed, Elneny, Elsaid; Salah, Mohsen
Let's start by taking a look at Saudi Arabia who are without three players for this afternoon's fixture. Taisir Al Jassam, Omar Hawsawi and Mansoor Al-Harbi have all picked up injuries during the tournament and will play no part.
Fahad Al-Muwallad has been given the nod in attack, with Mohammad Al-Sahlawi missing out. It means that Saudi Arabia's two designated strikers only feature on the bench.
As for Egypt, the selection of coach Hector Cuper has resulted in World Cup history. Veteran goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary has been given the opportunity to return between the sticks and the stopper will become the oldest player to play at a World Cup at the age of 45.
There is also a starting role for Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool winger is still looking to return to full fitness after sustaining a shoulder injury during the Champions League final but Cuper opts against resting the player ahead of the summer break.
Cuper has decided to keep all of his first-choice players in the starting lineup, with West Bromwich Albion defender Ahmed Hegazi an influential figure at the back and Mohamed Elneny bringing the big-game experience in the centre of the pitch.
It means that Ramadan Sobhi - who has just left Stoke City for Huddersfield Town - has to remain among the replacements. The 21-year-old would have been hoping for more action during his time in Russia.
The other fixture in this group is an important one. Uruguay face Russia with the winner of that match finishing at the top of Group A. If the match ends in a draw, it will be Russia who are the group victors. Click here to follow that encounter.
Saudi Arabia have been competing at their first World Cup since 2006 and so far, it has been a disappointment. They were only the outsiders to progress from Group A but losing 5-0 to Russia in the opening match of the tournament set the tone.
That said, they would have taken an element of pride from restricting Uruguay to just the one goal in their previous outing. A number of chances were also created and you would think that confidence can be taken into this game.
You have to go back to 2010 for the last time that a team failed to score a goal at a World Cup. Honduras and Algeria both went home goalless at that tournament.
Saudi also have just two draws to show for their last 11 fixtures at the World Cup. They avoided defeat when scoring twice against Tunisia, while the same scoreline was also registered against South Africa in 1998.
There are goals in this team, though. Al-Sahlawi has netted 27 goals in 42 outings for his country and Al-Muwallad has already amassed 10 strikes despite being just the age of 23. Aside from that, it is a bit of a struggle.
Much of the talk regarding Egypt has been about Salah and while the Liverpool man is undoubtedly their key figure, the rest of the squad have still had roles to play and they have not delivered.
In all fairness, Egypt were unfortunate against Uruguay and Jose Gimenez's late winner changed the course of the group, but they lost to Russia due to poor defending, not because Salah was only half-fit.
Egypt head into this match still looking for their first-ever World Cup win, so do not expect them to take their foot off the gas. Just two draws have come from six games so far.
That said, this fixture can also be used as the starting point to building a squad for the 2022 edition in Qatar. Nine of this squad are 26 or below so they already have the foundations of a solid team.
Goalkeeper El-Hadary will not be between the sticks in four years time. As we have already mentioned, the 45-year-old is breaking records this afternoon and in total, has made 152 appearances for his country. His debut came in 1996!
To give you a bit of perspective regarding El-Hadary's age...
PREDICTION! Saudi Arabia showed improvements against Uruguay but we cannot back against Egypt here. Individually, they possess the better quality and that could be the difference in a game such as this. Egypt to win 2-1.
HEAD TO HEAD! Monday's fixture represents the seventh meeting between the two teams, with Egypt registering four wins and Saudi Arabia prevailing on just one occasion.
The first clash came all the way back in 1961 and it was Egypt who prevailed by a 13-0 scoreline at the Pan Arab Games! Fortunately, Saudi Arabia have only got better since then...
Their one victory came in 1999 and it came at a high-profile tournament. Marzouk Al Otaibi netted four times as Saudi Arabia recorded a 5-1 victory at the Confederations Cup.
The most recent encounter came 11 years ago at the Pan Arab Games. Goals from Hossam Ghaly and Emad Moteab got the job done for Egypt in a game which they won 2-1 in Cairo.
It's time for the two teams to start making their way out in Volgograd. England and Tunisia were fortunate to play at this stadium in the evening but these two teams are not so lucky. It is 34C. Still, I guess these two teams should be well equipped to play in warm temperatures.
A reminder of the two starting lineups...
SAUDI ARABIA XI: Al Mosailem; Os.Hawsawi, Alburayk, Om.Hawsawi, Al Sharahni; Al Faraj, Al Dawsari, Otayf, Al Mohqawi, Bahbri; Al Muwallad
EGYPT XI: El-Hadary; Fathy, Gabr, Hegazy, Abdelshafy; Trezeguet, Hamed, Elneny, Elsaid, Salah; Mohsen
It matters little to these two nations, but we will keep you up-to-date with any developments between Uruguay and Russia in Samara.
KICKOFF! Egypt get us underway!
The opening two minutes have been spent with Saudi Arabia spraying the ball about at a decent pace and Egypt are prepared to chase their opponents down.
SHOT! Al-Mogahwi decides to take a shot on from distance but his effort is weak and always going wide of the far post.
As soon as Salah gets on the ball, the mood in the stadium changes. The winger does well to get down the right but his cross is easily cleared.
Both teams are wasting little time in looking to go on the front foot once they get on the ball. I expected a slow pace to this game but it is the complete opposite.
Saudi Arabia win a corner on the left but before it can be taken, the referee wants to make his point about unnecessary holding. When the set piece is delivered, Hegazi heads clear.
UPDATE! Uruguay have taken the lead against Russia! Luis Suarez has netted with a free kick. Click here to keep an eye on that game.
SHOT! Saudi Arabia attempt another speculative shot - this time through Al-Dawsari - but his strike goes well over the crossbar.
Egypt are still to have a shot in this match but they are looking threatening every time they go forward. The same cannot be said about Saudi Arabia, although they are not shy when it comes from trying to score.
SHOT! Saudi Arabia are getting closer. Al-Dawsari moves inside before getting a shot away from 20 yards, but his attempt goes a couple of yards over the crossbar.
We are having a bit of a lull now with Egypt seemingly having a breather having previously pressed the play. A reminder that it is extremely hot in Volgograd.
The game continues along the same pattern with Saudi Arabia also willing to take a brief rest in possession.
The patient approach from Saudi Arabia almost pays off as Al-Mogahwi floats an outswinging cross into the penalty area but El-Hadary comes out to make the claim.
GOAL! Saudi Arabia 0-1 Egypt (Mohamed Salah)
Egypt take the lead with their first shot of the match! A long ball from Said finds the run of Salah and after bringing the ball under control, the Liverpool winger lobs the goalkeeper and the ball bounces into the net.
CHANCE! It should be 2-0, although VAR would have probably ruled it out for offside. Salah is played through on goal and he is all on his own. However, the attacker attempts an audacious dink over Al-Mosailem and the ball goes wide of the far post.
UPDATE! Uruguay have doubled their lead against Russia! It looks like the South Americans are going to top Group A. Click here to keep up-to-date with that fixture.
Egypt have taken over during the last few minutes. Saudi Arabia had been coping just fine but Salah bursting to life has turned the tide.
Saudi Arabia have got their foot back on the ball but Egypt are sticking everyone - aside from Salah - behind the ball. It led to Al-Shahrani blazing over from distance.
Pizzi doesn't look a happy chappy on the bench. He has just started kicking water bottles out of frustration. The former Spain international appears likely to leave his role at the end of this tournament.
CHANCE! This is beautiful play from Trezeguet and Salah - with the former collecting a volleyed pass from his teammate - but Trezeguet's half-volley goes just over the bar.
SHOT! Trezeguet looks in the mood and now curls an effort marginally wide of the far post. Egypt are back on top.
CHANCE! Saudi Arabia come agonisingly close to an equaliser. Al-Faraj's first-time effort from around 16 yards is heading into the net but Hegazi is able to deflect the ball wide.
PENALTY TO SAUDI ARABIA! Fathy handles the ball when attempting to prevent a cross from entering the penalty area. It is a bit harsh! There was not much distance between player and ball. VAR says that the decision will stand.
MISS! Oh my word. El-Hadary has just pulled off one of the best penalty saves that you will ever see! Al-Muwallad struck his spot kick well and the ball was flying towards the goalkeeper's right, but the 45-year-old somehow tipped it onto the underside of the crossbar!
However, it looks like El-Hadary has hurt himself pulling off the save. He should just substitute himself. What a way it would be to bow out. It is an outrageous save.
El-Hadary is carrying on but it doesn't look so good for Said, who is down nursing a calf injury. He has gone off to receive some treatment.
There will be three minutes of added-on time.
PENALTY TO SAUDI ARABIA! This is also harsh! Hegazi slightly tugs the shirt of Al-Muwallad and there is not much in it, but the referee has given it.
VAR is taking an age and the referee gets called over to take a look for himself. After a three-minute wait, we finally reach a decision and the referee is sticking with his original decision and booking Hegazi! Absolute madness.
GOAL! Saudi Arabia 1-1 Egypt (Salman Al-Faraj)
We have a change in taker and it's Al-Faraj, and he proceeds to send El-Hadary the wrong way with a coolly-taken effort.
HALF TIME: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Egypt
The half-time whistle goes in Volgograd and we head into the break on level terms. It has developed into a brilliant game but once again, the use of VAR will dominate the headlines. Saudi Arabia's second penalty was as harsh as they come. This is the same referee which did not use VAR effectively during the England and Tunisia game.
Egypt's goal came before all of the controversy. Salah was able to run onto a long ball from Said and he showed no lack of sharpness in bringing the ball down before lobbing the goalkeeper. Even if it has been a disappointing tournament for him, Salah at least has two World Cup goals to his name.
Saudi Arabia have been lucky to be awarded one penalty, never mind two. The first was brilliantly saved by El-Hadary but the second - given for the slightest of tugs from Hegazi - led to Al-Faraj finding the left-hand corner. Even with VAR used and the referee being given television footage to view the incident, the decision stood.
Egypt are making a change with Warda being introduced for Said, who picked up a knock just before the break.
KICKOFF! We are back underway.
It has been a slow start to the second half, which is perhaps no surprise given the end to the first. I still can't quite believe that the second penalty was given - especially with the use of VAR - but it has been made now.
Saudi Arabia are starting to get on top and from a corner, they are appealing for a third penalty. That's adventurous in the extreme!
Another player goes down looking for a penalty. This is getting outrageous! They have obviously been encouraged by the referee's decision-making. Egypt are yet to get going again since the restart.
SHOT! Nearly a second goal for Saudi Arabia. The ball is only half-cleared into the path of Bahebri, who decides to take the volley on from an acute angle. It is a great strike but always heading off target.
Egypt finally show some more ambition and win a free kick in a threatening area. However, Salah's delivery is poor and Saudi Arabia head clear.
CHANCE! I've been really impressed with Trezeguet today and he almost heads Egypt in front. The winger meets the ball around 12 yards out but powers his effort just wide of the far post.
Otayf somehow avoids a booking for halting an Egypt break, yet there was a booking for Hegazi for Saudi Arabia's second penalty. This has been one of the strangest refereeing performances that you will ever see from Wilmar Roldan.
We are through an hour and both teams are still going all out to try to win this game. As we mentioned beforehand, Saudi Arabia are 11 matches without a win on this stage and Egypt have never prevailed in a game at this tournament.
SUBSTITUTION! Egypt go ahead and make their second switch with Sobhi coming on to replace Mohsen.
SUBSTITUTION! Now Saudi Arabia follow suit and bring on Assiri for Bahebri.
The intensity of this game has dropped again, partly due to the substitutions. I still feel that there is another goal in this match.
CHANCE! Back come Saudi Arabia. A cross is sent towards the back post and Al-Mogahwi should probably score with a header, but El-Habary pulls off another brilliant save, tipping the effort over the bar.
SHOT! Egypt respond with a shot of their own but Elneny's long-range strike is never troubling Al-Mosailem.
Fathy concedes a free kick on the edge of the area. On this occasion, the referee correctly gives the foul in Saudi Arabia's favour. I'm expecting a shot from here.
SHOT! Al-Faraj takes the shot on from all of 30 yards but curls harmlessly over the crossbar.
The referee has just halted an Egypt attack by making very little effort to get out of their way of the ball and it leads to a Saudi counter. Fortunately, a goal doesn't come as a result of it.
SUBSTITUTION! Moments after Saudi win a free kick, they make another change. Al-Muwallad goes off with Al-Shehri being introduced in his place.
The resulting set piece goes into the wall. Just the 10 minutes to go here and Saudi Arabia are starting to take control again.
SUBSTITUTION! Egypt make their final alteration with Kahraba replacing Trezeguet.
How has the assistant missed this? Salah is about three yards offside but plays continues and Egypt almost score. VAR would have ruled it out, anyhow.
Egypt appear to be focusing their attacking on sliding the ball through to Salah, but the forward - again - went too early with his run.
BOOKING! Fathy goes into the book for hauling down Al-Shahrani.
UPDATE! In the other game, Uruguay have netted a third through Cavani. Much to ponder for tournament hosts Russia.
There will be four minutes of added-on time.
That could be that in Volgograd. Saudi Arabia have been pushing the pace far more than Egypt but they seem to be out of ideas now.
GOAL! Saudi Arabia 2-1 Egypt (Salem Al-Dawsari)
Unbelievable! Saudi Arabia have won it with the very last kick of the game! After a couple of neat flicks in and around the penalty area, Al-Dawsari was given the chance to volley home into the far bottom corner from an acute angle.
FULL TIME: Saudi Arabia 2-1 Egypt
The full-time whistle goes in Volgograd and Saudi Arabia have come from behind to record a dramatic win! They probably shaded things in open play but a controversial VAR decision led to their equaliser being scored and is likely to be the talking point in the hours to come.
That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us this afternoon and we hope that you can join us again later for the remaining fixtures from Group B.
If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.
