FIFA World Cup 2018: 'Heartbreaking'- Twitter sad for 'Birthday Boy' Mo Salah as Egypt lose to Uruguay

Jose Gimenez scored late in the game as Uruguay defeated Egypt 1-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2018 opener on Friday. Egypt, who were without their key striker Mohamed Salah, looked like escaping with a point before Gimenez struck in the 89th minute.

Salah's absence came as a surprise after coach Hector Cuper had said on Thursday he was almost 100 percent certain to play.

Cuper decided not to risk his talisman despite telling reporters on Thursday that Salah had responded well to treatment on the shoulder injury he sustained in the Champions League final last month and was nearly fit enough to play in Egypt's first appearance at the finals for 28 years.

The Liverpool striker, who turned 26 on Friday, was seen on verge of tears after Giminez's goal. 

Many of Twitter expressed sadness over the fact that Salah did not play and Egeypt's loss. 

Mo Salah's reaction to Uruguay's goal is heartbreaking

He missed out on the Champions League final and now Egypt's first World Cup game in 28 years after playing the most crucial part in taking both teams to that stage. pic.twitter.com/jpeiaIHJw7

— FlFA World Cup (@WorIdCupFC) June 15, 2018

Not the best birthday gift for Salah pic.twitter.com/CLr05qlyHX

— Juan “WorldCup” Direction (@JuanDirection58) June 15, 2018

No Salah, No Party! #WorldCup #EGY pic.twitter.com/dlu2uH0Gm1

— Annie :) (@Anii_Ma) June 15, 2018

Egypt was impressive against Uruguay. Really heartbreaking they conceded with a minute left. @MoSalah could have made a difference. Let’s see how they come back for the next two games.

— Kazi Inam Ahmed (@kaziinam) June 15, 2018

Cavani comforting Salah after the final whistle. Always a gentleman. #URUEGY #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/S0Mii4Yff7

— Everything Napoli (@NaplesAndNapoli) June 15, 2018

Earlier, his club Liverpool have wished him a happy birthday.

Happy birthday @MoSalah! pic.twitter.com/VeS0U1759c

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 15, 2018

Salah had injured his shoulder in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, and millions of Egyptians had been on tenterhooks to see if he would recover in time for the tournament.