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2018 FIFA World Cup: Africa's pride Egypt have the calibre to fight with big boys

It has been 30 years since Egypt last featured in World Cup. Political turmoil since then ruined their hope for qualifying into the World Cup.

By Baban
Africa's pride Egypt have calibre to fight with big boys in 2018 FIFA World Cup

Bengaluru, Feb 22: It has been 30 years since Egypt last featured in World Cup. Political turmoil in this period ruined their hope for qualifying for the global FIFA event.

However, riding on the shoulders of national hero Mohamed Salah the North African side realized their dream of playing at the global football event.

Liverpool star Salah’s brace in the final match of qualifier game against the Republic of Congo helped Egypt to book the ticket to Russia. Followed by Nigeria, the Pharaohs have qualified for the mega football event. Since 1990 Italy World Cup, it has been a long journey for Egypt to fulfil their dream of playing the third World Cup.

Mohamed Salah’s Egypt booked a ticket to Russia after beating Congo in a mouthwatering clash. However, it was not an easy task as it seems. Before Salah’s left-footed powerful penalty touched the net in the deep middle of the injury time, Republic Congo made it tough for the Pharaohs.

The remarkable victory against Congo and qualification for the world’s most popular football event left the entire celebrating. While car drivers were honking their horns others thronged Cairo’s iconic Tahrir Square. Tahrir Square was a platform for political revolution, a few years back and it witnessed a celebration of their biggest achievement, to make the moment memorable for them.

For a country which always fears of political conflagrations, it was a pure joy and the 100 million people broke the barrier of fear to celebrate the historic moment in their football history.

The Egyptian army made sure the remarkable moment doesn’t get ruined hence they landed thousands of military personnel to beef up security across the nation.

Nation erupted into joy

During the historic match at Egypt Mediterranean Sea port city, Alexandria, around 30,000 spectators thronged the stadium to witness the historic moment of Egyptian football history.

However, it was not an easy task for Salah and his men because after taking a 1-0 lead in the match from the former’s goal Egypt thought they were on the verge of the win. But an outstanding goal from a volley by Congo’s Arnold Bouka Moutou left the entire stadium stunned in the 63rd minute of the game.

However, a big player like Salah was present on the pitch and reunited the team to put Congo under tremendous pressure unleashing a series of attacks on them from both flanks. With the game levelled at 1-1 till the final whistle of 90 minutes of the game, the match was shifted into the injury time where Egypt substitute Mahmoud Hassan was brought down by Congo’s defender in the box.

Salah once again responded to the occasion by sending a tremendous left-footed shot into the goal. As Egypt took the 2-1 lead in the match, the entire country erupted into joy.

Will they be able to surpass group stage?

But, the question is even after such a terrific show at home will they be able to give a fight to their Group A opponents?

Argentine coach Hector Cuper’s boys should keep in mind that their opponents are hosts Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Egypt will feel confident as they finished at the top of their group. They have defeated Ghana, Uganda and Congo to confirm a ticket to Russia.

Notwithstanding, Uruguay is the best side in the group. Hosts Russia will face a big challenge from Egypt who are six-time African Cup of Nations' champions. It will not be surprised if Egypt beat Russia in the opening match of 2018 World Cup.

On the other hand, they must know that Asian Football Confederation (AFC) teams are one of the weakest in the World Cup. Since Egypt have Salah, Hassan and several other players playing in Europe fans shouldn't be surprised if they surpass group stage.

Although, one thing may haunt them is their away from home record. Egypt have a superb home record but their only away win in the last couple of months was against Burkina Faso on penalties in the semi-final of the African continental tournament. When Hector Cuper and his boys will begin their campaign in Russia and they should keep that in mind.

Story first published: Thursday, February 22, 2018, 23:57 [IST]
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