Egypt’s World Cup mission is about more than just winning matches

13:07 04/12/2013
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  • It’s June 12, 1990 and Egypt are facing the Netherlands in the World Cup in Italy.

    It’s late in the second half and Magdy Abdelghani nets the equaliser from the penalty spot – a shot that has become part of Egyptian folklore and is arguably the most replayed few seconds of footage in the history of Egyptian TV.

    It turned out to be the last time Egypt scored at the World Cup. The Pharaohs haven’t made it to the tournament since then, missing one chance after the other.

    The World Cup has subsequently become the most elusive dream of a country that is so football-mad, that in these divisive times, the round ball is the only thing that unites 80 million Egyptians.

    Once again, they are within breathing distance of the World Cup. Against all odds, Bob Bradley’s side have won six out of six qualifying matches to book a play-off date with Ghana.

    With no league in the country for the best part of two years, political mayhem, along with the agony of the Port Said massacre, The Pharaohs have risen above it all, giving everyone the hope that perhaps it’s finally their time.

    Many of the players who were on the pitch in Port Said have carried Egypt through the qualifying campaign. A win today cannot make them forget the horrors they’ve witnessed, but can validate their efforts to bounce back.

    American coach, Bob Bradley, has done a stellar job instilling confidence in his players. His determination to complete the task at hand and not abandon the nation in its time of need has earned him a considerable amount of support and respect.

    Bradley's brotherhood underpins Egypt's World Cup quest

    Back in Egypt, the fans are hanging their hopes on the dream duo, veteran Mohamed Abou-Treika and FC Basel’s Mohamed Salah.

    Salah is a player that is devoid of all the negative traits that have accompanied many Egyptian talents in the past. He’s the consummate professional and delivers under pressure. Together with Abou-Treika, they are the trusted ones. 

    The players are optimistic since they feel they have beaten Ghana before on the big stage and they’re glad they avoided a bitter North African derby with Algeria or Tunisia.

    But many technical-savvy fans are wary of Ghana – who are undoubtedly the stronger team with the likes of Juventus’ Kwadwo Asamoah, Michael Essien, the Ayew brothers and Al Ain's Asamoah Gyan.

    The fact that the second fixture is Egypt’s home game is a big advantage but it’s imperative The Pharaohs avoid a significant defeat today if they want to stand a chance.

    On paper, Ghana are the better side but in Egypt, you have the kind of fairytale most sports fans would root for. It’s a story of fighting back. A tale of a nation in desperate need of good news. A country searching for ways to heal.

    A victory today can help with that.

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