Mohamed Salah had weight of Egypt on his back - it was almost impossible to match World Cup 2018 expectations

Mo Salah (R) argues with teammates during the 3-1 to Russia. He was marked out of the game. [Photo/Courtesy]

There was point, about 20 minutes before kick-off, where Mohamed Salah's face was beamed onto the big screen in St Petersburg.

Out numbered by about seven-to-one, the Egypt fans did not just greet the imagery with the cheer that comes every time a team's star player is shown. It felt more like a goal celebration.