Egypt, starting without key striker Mohamed Salah and Uruguay, whose own star forward Luis Suarez looked way short of form and fitness, were goalless at halftime in their World Cup Group A opener on Friday.
Salah, battling to overcome a shoulder injury, was among the substitutes with Egypt perhaps saving their talisman for future games against Russia and Saudi Arabia following the hosts' 5-0 win in the opening game on Thursday.
Suarez had the best chance of a low-intensity half but dragged a close-range shot into the side-netting as a disappointing Uruguay struggled to live up to their billing as group favourites.