Egypt World Cup Team Blog

Egypt 5 – Tanzania 1 or how to mix things up for Saadane and avoid injuries!!

Tamim — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:50:08 +0000

Now since Algerian coach Rabeh Sadaane had his hands on classified information, about our players that he got from the international intelligence services after a successful behind enemy lines espionage mission; , information that even our players don’t know about themselves, we were put in a difficult situation.

Under these conditions we had to play our friendly against Tanzania, aired live on air on almost all Egyptian channels; put yourself in Shehata’s shoes, having nothing more to keep secret, all your cards have been exposed…what will you do?

Well, Shehata disappointed all those who were eager to watch Tanzania’s friendly to see a preview of how the Egyptian team will look like in Algeria’s game and adopted a counter espionage tactic based on the following:

1- Mix the players; putting that instead of this and this instead of that.

Moawad played in midfield, Barakat played in the left wing, Homos played in defense, no play maker, Fathi played in Midfield…….etc.

2- start with a false formation

Still it is the authentic 3-5-2 formation but do not expect these open spaces in defense; with the return of Shawky, Hosni and Zidan, expect radical changes in the tactics; more offensive but more cautious in defense

3- change the team In the second half

None of the eleven players of the first half continued till the end and none of the second half’s players will play next Saturday, with the exception of one or two maybe.

4- spark speculation over injured players

a conventional tactic used by the other camp; everyday we are bombarded with news of one or two Algerian players being injured which makes one wonder, is there enough players to play next week in Cairo?!! Seriously, this is an old-fashioned and somehow naive tactic in the age of internet and open media.

Back to the game

The over-all performance was good, regardless of the opponent, the team work and chemistry between the players is better than before also the tactical flexibility shown by Moawad and Barakat was eye-catching; one never knew what is there position in the field, one time they are in the flanks, the other they are in midfield and some times they were sending assists.

The return of Meteb and Zaki who is beginning to restore some of his form and scoring his first goal from open play since ages are all good signs and provide Shehata with more options in attack and may even change the whole game plan.

Tanzania’s goal is hard to swallow but with their performance one could never expect that they have a player who can shoot from this far and hit the goal; plus, the lack of any Tanzanian attack left Egyptian defense untested and players started to loose concentration.

What should be noted though is that shooting from distance is a usual tactic used by Algeria and we have to never give them the space to do this and El Hadary has to expect long range shots and be able to deal with it.

Some would say that the opponent is weak and the game is meaningless; somehow true, but playing a competitive game is better than training sessions which no matter how serious they are can’t put a player to the test.

One thing I couldn’t understand is why Tanzania’s players were rough in their play, they almost got one or two players injured; our players on the other hand interfered in unneeded challenges that could have cost them a lot.

All in all, the game serves as a confidence booster, especially for Meteb and Zaki; now with the return of foreign based professionals things will get even better, and all what remains is the roars of 80 thousand Egyptian fans in Cairo stadium and lady luck joining our camp.

By the way, this is a video of the goals leaked from the national team’s intelligence archives……enjoy

Egypt – Algeria: Critical tactical issues!!

Tamim — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:28:49 +0000

Unlike the weather here in Egypt which is starting to get much better as we start our winter season, too late I know but this is how things are around here, and people are starting to feel the cold breeze, Egypt- Algeria is only getting hotter.

The hype around the game has reached unprecedented levels from both sides; the media keeps pouring oil on fire, the fans are charged and the atmosphere is electric that both managers have escaped with their teams, one in Italy and the other in Aswan.

But in the end, it will be 11 men Vs. 11 men and Shehata Vs. Sadaane which implies that only tactics and individual skills will decide the winner; so I will try to foresee possible scenarios of the game and tactical options that Shehata may apply.

As you all know, we need to win at least by two to play a tiebreaker or qualify directly if we win by three; Algeria, on the other hand, can afford to lose by one goal.

The game is played in Cairo so more than 80 thousand fans will be there increasing the pressure on both sides; however, it will be more on Egyptian players as time factor won’t help; every minute that passes will add to the tension of the fans which will be transferred to the players as more pressure.

An early a goal would do wonders and turn everything upside down and Algeria’s advantage would be meaningless, score the second and then the match will open and expect anything then.

Rosy dreams, ha?……well, the Algerians aren’t blind or stupid, they know that and would do one of two things; either defend with 10 players to absorb Egyptian attacks and start to push onto the midfield as we advance in time when Egyptian players start to lose faith or they would start attacking and put us under pressure instead and maybe score one goal and then it will be a piece of cake, although not theoretically.

Here, comes Shehata’s part and his choice of formation, game plan and players who can apply it perfectly.

In most of our previous games, we played with 3-5-2 at home and 5-3-2 formation in away games; two defensive midfielders with attacking shores and one attacking midfielder, Abu Treika, and two strikers from Meteb, Zaki, Zidan and Ahmed Raouf in home games; in away games, we played with three defensive midfielders, only one has attacking shores (Ahmed Hassan) and in front we had Abu Treika behind one striker, sometimes because of the lack of a second one due to injuries.

Well, Shehata has to decide now whether to put Algerians under pressure and start with a 3-4-3 formation in which we have an attacking triangle with support from midfield and from the flanks; under such scenario, Hani Said won’t be a third defender in the back but would advance in midfield compensating for the attacking support. The flanks would be chosen depending on the defensive abilities as they will have to be fast enough to retreat during Algerian counter attacks; especially that it is Algeria’s most dangerous weapon, one midfielder will have to stick to his position and not advance under any case.

In case of attack, Algerian defenses would have more players in their zone than they can handle and surely continued pressure would break them but remains the danger of counter attacks.

For such formation, we need strong, fast players in midfield (Hosni and Ahmed Hassan) and experienced defenders, Ahmed Fathi and Oka (Abdel Zaher El Saqqa); for the wings Moawad remains the best possible option on the left while El Mohamadi is favored over Barakat because of physical strength in challenges and speed although Barakat is more skillful.

A more attacking but too risky formation is 4-2-4 where Zaki and Meteb are fixed strikers behind them is Zidan and Abu Treika as play-makers who are most of the time in Algeria’s zone, behind them is two fixed defensive midfielders, only the wings would have some liberty in their movements back and forth along the line the shortcoming, however, is that defense would be vulnerable to counter attacks.

The second most possible formation which Shehata adopted many times is 5-3-2 in which Abu Treika and a sole striker are fielded upfront while 3 midfielders who provide attacking and defensive support whenever needed; the key in this formation is the wings; specifically, Sayed Mowad who along with Abu Treika form an invincible couple. Italy and Brazil’s games are a demonstration of this formation.

The good side is that we keep the ball better under this formation and tend to control the game and force our style on the opponent but the problem is that unless the opponent attacks we don’t score many goals and with a team who may put 9 or 10 players in defense it won’t be as effective.

Players’ choice

In defense, with the absence of Gomaa we need a tall defender who is good at headers and one who has a good sixth sense and can predict the ball and not easy to dribble through; best choices are Fathi and Oka (El Saqqa)

In Midfield, it will depend on the formation but I guess Shawky and Hosni are essential; both are young, good at passing the ball, have a unique chemistry and most importantly fast at restoring positions during counter attacks; Ahmed Hassan and Homos maybe used during the game.

For the attacking line, in case of one striker then it should be Zidan, in case of two then we will need physical strength and good headers (Amr Zaki)

On the wings, El Mohamadi and Moawad are favorites for the reasons mentioned above; Barakat can be used later in the game when we need pace, especially if the game opens.

The Algerians are quick, extremely good on the sides and free kicks; their players are skillful but 5-a-side skill that doesn’t value collective group work very much (check Rwanda’s game); however, they suffer under pressure (check Zambia’s game and the first half of Egypt’s game)

If they start by attacking, then they have saved us a lot of troubles as we will have more space to play in and the pressure will decrease a lot as open play gives more opportunities for scoring; however, our defense will be put to the test then and if they succeed we would have accomplished more than 40% of the mission.

Time wasting tactics of staying on the ground for long time after every challenge, taking a lot of time to play a simple goal kick or throw in not to mention trying to provoke the players for fights to erupt and provoke the fans to distract the Egyptian team are certainly going to take place.

Shehata has to put all this in mind and the players must get ready for this kind of play.

All in all, many of these points will clear up after Tanzania’s game and the possibility of any player getting injured may turn the whole scenario upside down.

So which is the best formation we should use? Do you think that there are some tactical issues that might be addressed? Which players fit this game the most?…….have your say.

Note: please, let’s keep the discussion to football; I am sick of attempts to drag us to discuss other non-football issues.

Squad announced for Algeria’s “battle”

Tamim — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:32:41 +0000

So Shehata took no risks at all gathering all his -fit- cards even the ones he left after CAN 2006 to join the preparation camp for the battle on 14 /11 against Algeria; still he said that his list won’t be final and there is room for surprises.

The squad was announced yesterday witnessing the return of Abdel Zaher El Saqqa – remember this guy- Zidan, Emad Meteb and Abdel Wahed El Sayed.

Take a look

Goalkeepers: Essam Al-Hadari, Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed, Mahmoud Aboul-Saoud.

Defenders: Hani Saied, Abdul-Zaher Al-Saqqa, Sherif Abdul-Fadil, Ahmed Saied ‘Ouka’, Moatasem Salem, Wael Gomaa.

Midfielders: Ahmed Fathi, Ahmed Al-Muhammadi, Sayed Moawad, Abdul-Aziz Tawfeek, Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed Hommos, Hosni Abd-Rabou, Mohamed Shawky, Mohamed Shaaban, Ahmed Eid, Mohamed Barakat, Mohamed Abou-Treika.

Strikers: Amr Zaki, Mohamed Zidan, Emad Meteb, Ahmed Raouf.

Also Wael Gomaa will join the camp in case we play a tiebreaker.

For the first time since the start of the group matches we find many options in the attack line with Zidan, Zaki, Meteb, Raouf; fortunately, they returned in the match where we will need them the most as we look for goals and only goals.

Also for the first time in quite a period, El Hadary has a good substitute in Abdel Wahed; we all remember when El Hadary got injured in Zambia’s game 2 weeks ago and we all prayed he get up because his substitutes were Abu El Sood and El Hany Solieman who, with all due respect, still need time to stand in the Egyptian goal.

A great start for us.

I have to hail Shehata for his very logical selections, choosing the most reasonable players available at this time who are up to the job and have the experience needed to endure the huge pressure during the match from the burden of scoring 2 goals as a start and the rush of 80 thousand fans for the goals to come as early as possible.

“This is the most important call up in my history.”

This is how El Saqqa described his return since his last game with the national team against Uruguay in august 2006; very wise decision from Shehata given the absence of Wael Gomaa; however, it should have been earlier even before Algeria’s first game when our defense seemed to have a lot of troubles.

However, I believe El Saqqa won’t start the match but will have a role sometime during the game, Fathi will be fielded instead; a decision that I would support due to the long absence of El Saqqa and his need of time to adapt with the new players not present in 2006.
Let’s just remember that our veteran defender was part of the historical 5-2 win scoring Egypt’s third from a perfect free kick.

As you can see, most of the new young names, with the exception of Mohamed Shabaan, like El Gabas, Sayed Hamdy, and Ahmed Kamal are all out of the picture; this proves how seriously Shehata is taking this match; however, they might be needed later.

We can also see that Mido and Shikabala aren’t selected; the first scored his first goal last week against El Gouna but failed to impress against Military production; however, I guess we could have used him sometime in the game.

It’s funny, because joining the national team was the first reason for Mido to return to the Egyptian league, now he neither plays in Europe nor in the National Team!!

Shikabala……….what a waste; for those who don’t know he was suspended by Zamalek and Egyptian Football Association for doing this.

He could have been the star of the match playing with Algerian defenses and scoring goals from his accurate and powerful shots but……What a waste!!!

I guess the atmosphere in Zamalek doesn’t help anyone to shine and excel !!!

So the team started their camp in Cairo and will fly to Aswan to meet Tanzania next Saturday then return for a closed camp till the match’s day; professionals won’t join until five days before the game, though.

In other news,

Egypt chose Sudan, Ghana and Nigeria as possible venues for the tiebreaker; very reasonable choices, Sudan is very close and have a big Egyptian population, Ghana would be like home after we supported them in U-20 world cup and Nigeria isn’t bad after all; I mean we knew we can’t play in North Africa, sadly though!!!

regarding the tickets, they will be available 3 days only before the game, they are a little expensive but this won’t stop the fans from packing Cairo stadium.

Algerian fans will be handed their tickets, green colored, through the Algerian embassy only one day before the game to prevent any black market deals with people buying tickets as Egyptians and then reselling them to Algerians, who by the way won’t have more than the stand dedicated to guests right of the main tribune, so no matter how many tickets they buy they will only have 2000 seats!!!

So what do you think of these choices? Anyone you think should be added? Someone was left? And what do you think of Tanzania’s game?…..share it with us.

Goal of the day

Following the steps of the famous Cartoon Series “Captain Majed” El Gabas and Ahmed Samir both scored a goal at the same time from a double shot during a game with their club Lierse in Belgium.

Trivia: who scored this goal?

Egypt Vs. Algeria: Open thread

Tamim — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:31:46 +0000

Until 14/11, this is a thread where everyone is welcome to share their thoughts on the anticipated game, who do you think should play? who shouldn’t? how do you see the game? tactics? expectations? comments on news coming from both camps? what kind of atmosphere are we looking at before, during and after the game?…..ALL.

Also feel free to post anything you think we should read or see concerning the game; one doesn’t get a game with such hype except once or twice in a lifetime!!

Zambia 0 – Egypt 1: Resurrection of the Pharaohs!!

Tamim — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:32:57 +0000

Change, total Dramatic change it is; Friday night we were praying for a result against Zambia in an atmosphere of despair and frustration and now we are preparing for the 14th of November, Eager to score as much as we can, cheer as loud as our throats are capable of and get this hard ticket to South Africa next summer and prove once and for all that we are the champions of this continent.

For a moment, I was convinced that our bad performance was going to turn this game into another disappointment, but Hosni Abd Raboh Proved me wrong and scored what might be the goal of his career to revive hope in the hearts of 80 million Egyptian.

It wasn’t our fanciest performance, Zambian attacks came one after another but El Hadary’s saves came along proving that the high dam is still the legend of African goalkeeping.

Our defense looked terrible with Gomaa committing a lethal mistake early in the game while Oka seemed shaky and served as our Achilles heel that Zambian players can easily dribble through and create chances.

Zambia started by pushing us hard; although we started with more midfielders, we found ourselves obliged to return to defense leaving Zaki as a sole striker in the front and consequently losing any form of danger we could have constituted on the Zambian goal.

As minutes passed, we began to restore control and play our football; However with Zaki and Abu Treika only in attack, we couldn’t do much unlike the second half when Ahmed Raouf entered.

Support from Midfield was lacked and the result was the absence of coordination between various lines in the field except from Sayed Moawad who was truly the man of the match with his effort and crosses and of course his assist in the goal.

With this lack of support, Zaki had to move to the sides and cross the ball for those coming from behind but as soon as we lost the ball, Zambians ran fast and turned the ball into a dangerous counter attack.

Barakat seemed completely out of form and his presence was never felt, returning from injury he should have been fielded in the second half when Zambian defenses opened and we were looking for a second goal.

We stayed like this for the entire first half in which Zambia missed two certain goals and the post had to deny them another; at this point, I thought it was over and we should pack our bags.

The second half was different, Fathi played as right wing and Barakat returned to midfield so we seemed more dangerous and started to control the ball more, Shehata fielded Raouf which added to our striking force; Zambia became under pressure and after a couple of dangerous chances, the goal seemed imminent.

In a play similar to our third goal in Brazil, Moawad and Abu Treika did their thing and Moawad sent a ball to the edge of the box only to find the bomber, Hosni Abd Raboh bury it in the net.

After the goal we should have pressured more to score a second which could have saved us a lot of calculations but anyway we got the job done and now the ball is in or court.

Highlights of the game

First half

Second Half

It should be mentioned that we played on a very bad pitch that even the most powerful teams can’t perform on and our stay and transportation there wasn’t easy at all having to travel more than 200 Km from the airport from the Stadium, add to that a terrible atmosphere and huge pressure.

All in all, We earned these three points fair and square and those who say we bribed Zambia to leave the game for us can eat their nonsense…….how do they come up with these things anyway!!!!!

What’s next?

Obviously our previous calculations were wrong as they were based on the assumption that after goal difference and amounts of goals scored; direct matches would be taken into consideration and so we need to score two goals only; well, we were wrong, in case we are equal in everything, we will have to head for a tiebreaker if FIFA decides or a draw would take place, mere luck would say its final word then.

To avoid all this we need to win by 3 goals difference, be it 3-0 or 4-1 or “5-2″ and we are there.

Apart from that, Anticipation is building hugely around here; everyone is literally talking about the game. That day I was in the street I found a shop owner arguing with a customer about our ability of beating Algeria, after 5 minutes I was taking the subway to find myself in the middle of a discussion between a group of young men about the match.

Fans are preparing heavily for this match, I can’t describe their enthusiasm and anticipation for this game, their anger and eagerness for “revenge”; one thing I can say for sure, it will be one day to remember and the visitors should start worrying.

Who’s returning and who will be missed?

Zidan will be back, a very wise decision from Shehata as we need all and every talent to win this match. Also Meteb will be back and I guess Mido will fight for a place and our striking force would return to us.

Gomaa, on the other hand, is a doubt as he got his second yellow on Saturday and we will have to wait and see if the card he got in Malawi’s game will count or not.

From now until 14 of November we can do one thing

Imagine that with the voices of 90 or maybe 100 thousand fans……ooooh I can’t wait to get my tickets!!!

Bring it on!!

Tamim — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:34:22 +0000

full match recap after Rwanda’s game, until then FORZA RWANDA!!

Zambia – Egypt preview: YA RAB!!

Tamim — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:55:41 +0000

I couldn’t find an English equivalent as good as this one that can perfectly describe the situation we are facing before this game.

Mathematically and logically our chances are weak but it is this pessimism and low expectations and even carelessness of some fans toward the game as they say we are going to lose and that the other team will be celebrating qualification to the world cup that makes it worth watching.

People cursing Shehata for his players’ choices, Tides of pessimism immersing forums, comments sections and everyday chatting between people; especially after the U-20 team’s failure, debate over Zidan whether he should have been called or not and reports on international football websites underrating our chances of qualification and tipping the group leaders as favorites……etc.

Good stuff I say, this exactly when we play our best.

A look at the group standings says that we have to beat the team who grabbed a point from us in Cairo stadium, beat them at their home, preferably with a score, just to keep our chances of qualifying alive.

The task isn’t easy; and the fact that we have to play at noon and on a very bad pitch more than 50 Km away from the hotel doesn’t make it any easier; it is difficult but definitely not impossible.

Too much Hype has surrounded this game; Renard, Zambia’s coach, statements have been flooding football news sites and newspapers; one time says it is difficult to beat Egypt, the next he says we will beat us, then he says Algeria deserves qualification; even the President of Zambia said that his team needs some changes ahead of Egypt’s game!!!

Theoretically speaking, Zambia have some stakes in this game too; they need at least one point to secure qualification to African cup next January so the last thing we should expect is an easy opponent who would accept defeat easily, if not for qualification it is for the personal fame of preventing Egypt from qualifying to the world cup.

Worth mentioning is that many will be watching this game and we needn’t give them a chance to rejoice….you know what I mean!!!

Zambia

After a brave performance against Algeria in Algeria having a goal denied unfairly by the referee for offside, the Chipolopolo has carried on a reshuffle inside the team bringing back players like Collins Mbesuma and Rainford Kalabaand and choosing more than 15 players who play in the local and some of them aren’t even attached to any club.

They have been preparing for the game for over a month and apparently they are taking it more than seriously.

However, our concern shouldn’t be them scoring at us as their attacking form has been very weak during qualifications till now scoring 2 goals only in 4 matches; we should be worried from their defensive abilities, as we have seen in Algeria’s game they can defend well and keep strikers under control; especially, in the beginning but as they start attacking their defense opens up.

They can hold the ball well and keep possession, to beat them we need to play fast and on the ground and try as much as possible to avoid long and high balls as they have tall players who can handle it.

Probable Line-up: Kennedy Mweene – Emmanuel Mbola, Francis Kasonde, Denis Banda, Hichani Himonde – Isaac Chansa, Rainford Kalaba, Andrew Sinkala, Christopher Katongo – Jacob Mulenga, Collins Mbesuma

Here is the first round’s game

Egypt

We only have one option which is to win and for that, Shehata didn’t take any chances and has been preparing his players for more than 3 weeks playing a game against Mauritius, although a weak game but helped get the players in the mood.

Zaki and Barakat are back for the game; however we will be missing unfit Mido, Zidan who until now isn’t responding to the technical staff calls, Emad Meteb as well as El Sayed Hamdy and suspended Mohamed Shawky.

Slight injuries for Abu Treika and El Hadary won’t prevent them from participating at the game.

Given the importance of the game, new players like Doody El Gabas and Motasem Salem shouldn’t feature in the game; we have better alternatives anyway.

A good thing is that all media were concentrating on the youth team while the seniors were preparing quietly in the shade which saved them a lot of pressure they could have came under.

Here is the friendly against Mauritius

Based on what I saw, the team had better coordination between players than previous matches; Fathi excelled in this game while Abu Treika and Ahmed Hassan proved to be an indispensable couple; However, efficiency on goal was a big question mark as we didn’t take advantage of the many chances we had but this can be referred to lack of interest because of the weak opponent

Shehata will probably start with a alone striker, Zaki most probably and behind him Abu Treika with special concentration on midfield in an attempt to control the game; he would play with Ahmed Fathi in midfield beside Hassan and Hosni Abd Raboh to ensure his goal is safe and put Zambia under pressure.

All in all, we need the fittest and more experienced to play, no room for innovation and whoever enters the field should give 120% and realize that this the match that would rebirth this triumphant generation of players or destroy them forever, they must know that a country’s reputation is in hand and that their fans won’t endure any further disappointment.

I believe that they all know that very well and would be up to the expectations.

Probable formation:

………………………..El Hadary………………
Barakat……Gomaa……Hani Said….Oka…….Sayed Moawad
……………Abd Raboh….Ahmed Hassan…..Ahmed Fathi……
…………………………..Abu Treika……………..
……………………….Amr Zaki…………………….

The match

It will be tense and the atmosphere won’t help; as much as I would love it to happen, an early goal seems unattainable. The game will be highly tactical and chances will be rare so we better use them well, the first half may go goalless; The second half, however, Zambia will be more open and then we can score.

anyway, once we score the game will be much easier and we will get many chances from counter attacks; however, it is going to be the ultimate test for the defense as they will have the bigger share of action.

The other match

Rwanda needs to grab points to save their chances of qualifying to the African cup before they receive Zambia at home so FORZA RWANDA.
Match Card

What: Zambia – Egypt, 5th round group C, World Cup 2010 qualifications
Where: Konkola Stadium, Chililabombwe
When: 2:00 pm

Prediction: 2-1, Zaki, Abu Treika

Where to watch: (streaming before the game) or ESC, ART and terrestrial channels

Enjoy the Game and 2OLO YA RAB

OOOOOOOOOOOO MASRAWYYY

Egypt beats Italy, qualifies to knockout stage

Tamim — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:24:33 +0000

I guess beating Italy is becoming a habit more than a good result!!!

Good luck for our boys in what to come.

Meanwhile, our senior team played a very lame friendly against a very humble Mauritius side who forgot to bring their clothes with them and had to borrow Jerseys from ENPPI; we won 4-0 but the result isn’t important, neither is the performance because half of the players didn’t even touch the ball.

Egypt 1 – Paraguay 2: Football logic or no logic!!

Tamim — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:05:19 +0000

Ten men playing in front of 11 and behind them 60000 fans; the ten men team’s captain and goalkeeper is injured and replaced, after the red card, the home side equalizes from the free kick…..logic says that the home team would win easily, but because football is an illogical game and loves drama at the same time, the ten men team scores their winner in literally the last minute of the game!!!

Luck you say, I strongly disagree; I doubted this team was trained to play in such conditions and I wasn’t wrong; Adrian Coria, Paraguay’s coach said his team trained at least once per week on playing 9 to 11 so they were well prepared for such a difficult situation.

They played in the second half as if they were the 11-man team while we, despite the great first half performance, returned to individuality and silly defensive errors.

We seemed to be playing while waiting for this goal to come as Paraguay wasted the chance after the other while we were helpless in front of their solid midfield.

Despite closing the area well in the first half and showing some sort of organization in the first half, the defense line seemed to have collapsed in the second; each player kept the ball until he ran out of all options and many of the times they lost it and caused a Paraguayan counter attack.

Talaat, although better than last game, failed to convince me that he deserves all this hype; Arafat on the other hand played for himself.

The positive side is that we scored a very beautiful goal and again Afroto was the savior grabbing the attention of European clubs; also our team performed better than last game, given the level of the opponent.

Anyway, this was our toughest game and Paraguay is the team to beat; we still have a strong chance of qualifying given we beat Italy or draw or even lose by one goal.

Italy isn’t that scary and a very beatable team; with little determination and concentration we can proceed in this tournament.

Here are the highlights

So until Thursday, enjoy the rest of the matches

Squad for Zambia & Paraguay’s preview

Tamim — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:21:11 +0000

In the middle of the u-20 world cup hype taking over the country, we shouldn’t forget that we have a very crucial game against Zambia and that our senior national team is already in camp for the game.

The squad was announced this weekend:

Goalkeepers: Essam Al-Hadari (Ismaili), Al-Hani Soliman (Ittihad), Mahmoud Aboul-Saoud (Mansoura).

Defenders: Hani Saied (Zamalek), Wael Gomaa, Sherif Abdul-Fadil, Ahmed Fathi, Sayed Moawad (Ahli), Moatassem Salem (Ismaili), Ahmed Saied ‘Ouka’, Ahmed Kamal (Harras Hodoud), Ahmed Al-Muhammadi (ENPPI).

Midfielders: Mohamed Barakat, Mohamed Abou-Treika, Ahmed Hassan (Ahli), Mohamed Hommos (Ismaili), Mohamed Shaaban (Petrojet), Abdul-Aziz Tawfik (ENPPI), Ahmed Eid (Harras Hodoud), Hosni Abd-Rabou (Ahli Dubai).

Strikers: Amr Zaki (Zamalek), Salah Amin (Gaish), Mohamed Al-Gabbas (Lierse), Ahmed Raouf (ENPPI).

With the exception of Salah Amin and Sherif Abdel Fadil, there is no much changes.

Amr zaki is back, I don’t know if it is a good or a bad thing, he didn’t convince in recent matches and continued to be a trouble maker; I hope he focuses with the national team because we need him.

We are playing against Mauritius this Friday.

BREAK

Now back to our world cup; we will be playing Paraguay as we return home in Cairo stadium and the tickets are all sold out which means it is going to be an exciting game to watch.

A win would put us in the second round; however a draw won’t be that bad because after watching all group teams, I guess Paraguay is the toughest and if we can get through them, Italy won’t cause us trouble,

However, we need to work on our defense and Salah Solieman and Ahmed Hegazy need to cooperate and communicate more to prevent these silly defensive errors; also we need the players to focus more on teamwork and stop this individuality; especially, Mohamed Talaat.

Soukop said there will be some changes but didn’t reveal what will they be but I guess they are going to be more midfields and less strikers given the attacking abilities of Paraguay despite the bad luck they faced in Italy’s game.

The fans will be an important factor in the game, although I appreciate what happened in Burg El Arab, Cairo Stadium is a different thing, the fans here are more passionate, loud and enthusiastic; plus, it feels more comfortable playing here than anywhere else; fan pressure proved to be an effective weapon, especially in this age as players lack the experience of dealing with it.

Our opponent is good, fast, skillful and tactically advanced and we need to reduce our mistakes to the minimum and be careful of Santander and Ramirez, both are lethal strikers if given the space and chance.

Sorry for the brief post but with so much going on, it’s hard to find some free time.