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Egypt
Thoughts on Algeria’s game
Comments(101)
Yesterday was an epic night in Egypt, people flooded the streets celebrating and car horns never stopped; for this I have to thank Algeria because they united 80 million Egyptians behind the National Team in an unprecedented way; enough that we saw celebrations with flares for the first time in a NT game and non stop cheers from 100 thousand fans……It was A true derby.
Honestly, I was watching this game on my nerves and didn’t have the chance to analyze the tactics and game plans of each team; however, these are some general thoughts I had about the game.
-The perfect start of the game couldn’t help us score goals as players somehow relaxed and with time passing, the Algerian started to restore confidence and form some counter attacks that were saved by El Hadary.
-We had a clear problem in Midfield, Hosni Abd Raboh was missed; we lacked the connector between defense and attack that’s why we saw a lot of long balls and crosses which isn’t our style.
-Some players weren’t at their top form like Zidan and Abu Treika but one has to realize the pressure upon them to achieve this victory.
-Abdel Zaher El Saqqa was the true hero of defense; although the last game he played with the team was back in 2006, he adapted quickly and became part of the team and almost scored.
-Hani Said lost concentration in two incidents that could have cost dear goals but El Hadary as usual was there to stop it.
-Our flanks operated wonderfully as crosses never stopped; however, they didn’t find the adequate number of strikers.
-Zaki and Meteb were outstanding; Zaki and for the first time focused on playing not on other things While Meteb……oooo Meteb, this is only his third match after a 4 months injury and damit he scored his most important goal ever.
Away from the game,
-stand up for the Egyptian fans; came in an unprecedented numbers, kept on cheering even when things seemed very far, treated the travelling fans well and created the atmosphere that bought Algerians under pressure; especially, in the beginning which was very obvious in their miss passes. Also, they well behaved and didn’t attack or swear on anyone as Algerian Media tried to convince people with; even the FIFA representative hailed them and their attitude…….thank you Egyptians.
![r3072577990[1]](http://egypt.worldcupblog.org/files/2009/11/r30725779901.jpg)
-.”why are you celebrating?” Some may ask, “you still accomplished nothing”…….True, but we returned into this competition from far far far behind; Algerians were celebrating qualification after their victory over Zambia but we kept on winning a game after another until we reached this point; and even during the game, as everyone were losing hope and even some started to leave and Algerians were ready to celebrate once agian, we returned; with spirit and persistence we returned; this is why we are celebrating, not because we beat Algeria. We now have even chances after we had no chance at all!!!
-after every victory, some Algerians and Pro-Algerians would come here and try to demoralize us and bring us down; one time they say this goal was offside, this goal was a foul and that goal, the ball crossed the line…..i personally got used to that and to be clear, they won’t shut up until we win this ticket. Until this time comes, ignore them the same way we ignored the Algerian provocations in the stands.
-I don’t see Sudan as a neutral ground; I see Sudan as our only true second country. Proof? Egyptian can go there anytime without even having to get Visas so we will flood Khartoum even before the Algerians get visas not to mention the 120 thousand Egyptians living there!!!
-Sudanese people will ALL support us, even the officials there are with Egypt and were eagerly awaiting a tiebreaker there to show support for Egypt…..historically, Egypt and Sudan have always been one country.
Bn7ebak ya ZOL!!
2olo YA RAB…..
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Gabrielle thank you for the point by piont reponse… You are correct we did have 90 minutes to score and we came very close several times…. The game should have ended 4-1. Yes we do tend to play down to the level of our opponents much to much… i have also seen the replays as you can imagaine many times the ball is over the line but it never crosses…That is more an accertion of a fan rather than a journalist…. It was a well desrved win. I guess we are just going to have to disagree on that one. yes you are also correct we have put ourseleves in this possition. We do have an easy group we should have easily qualified…. There in no excuse for the Zambia draw or the algeria loss none……. I agree with you the USA team it was overconfidence as well as injuries we don’t disagree there…… I think the best place for the match would have been ghana…As an italian jouranlist why would you watching the rowanda algeria game it appears you may be slightly more than an impartial journalist…. I have read many international reports about this match from impartial journalist…. Not one hints that this was an undeserved win…. But hey you are more than welcome to have your views…
I think its a deserved win- but it is important not to forget that they came close many times, and at times we did not look like we were going to score.
Honestly I think it comes down to urgency- we relaxed a bit when we got the goal so early and we didnt know what to do. We have to come out with the urgency of the last 20 minutes and the urgency of the first 3-4 minutes form last game. That is why I worry a little bit that they may relax with the last result
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United States
Deleted – Daryl
Football is not always fair. But if you are going to point out legit goals being overturned- Zambia had one against Algeria as well… These things happen. Unfortunately in Africa they happen more often. ALl that matters now is the head to head matchup IMO. We have to come out swinging and organized- ready to die- like the last game
Posted from United States
IS HOSNI ABD RABU BACK?
Thanks amir it was a great day…. There was a few fights but alhamdulah no one got hurt…. I’m not going there again… the fans were disrespectful and rude even though there were families there and kids…..
Gabriele… there is no hostility at all… You are the only non alegreian journalist that i have heard implying that this was an undesrved win…. My issue is not your comments its that they seem biased…. Zambia had a deserved goal negated…. if allowed this thing would be over… The official in the rowanda game gave them a make up goal in the 8th minute of injury time with a penalty… so if you are going point out mistakes made by the officials point out all of them not just the ones that favored algeria……I know your not saying we paid the referee you couldn’t possibly think that…. the Algerians had complained so much about egypt it seems like they called a foul everytime an egyptian touched an algerian…. You are correct egypt would represent africa better in the world cup…. I’m so excited about africa chances in this world cup it looks like africa is finally sending all their powerhouse teams this time…. god willing if we advance on wednesday.Egypt nigeria ghana camerron ivory coast….. Fifa will have to increase our alotment after this world cup….. One of thoseteams has a legitimate shot at the finals…
Gabriele has very good points, and I agree that we can get arrogant and be over confident. We need to focus, and lets not forget that algerians were being defensive somehow. But in Sudan, Algerians are going for a win, which is not going to be easy, it is going to be a classical match!! Hopefully Egypt will win but instead of Egy60%-Alg40%, I would say Egy50%-Alg50%. Football doesn’t believe in figures or predictions, only performance and hardwork. GO EGYPT!!
As many of you have clearly mentioned, one of Egypt’s weaknesses is their clear overconfidence. I am by no means a soccer expert (I live in the USA)..but i have a basic understanding for the game and have a love for sports in general.
I am a huge Egypt fan, however and i am praying for their qualification on Wednesday. On that note, I am very worried regarding their approach to the game. If i was Shehata, i’d employ a lot of psychological strategy here to assure they walk onto that field on Wednesday feeling like they have their backs against the wall and not the reigning African champs!
From watching Saturday’s game, I clearly noticed that Egypt was in full control and the better team prior to that 1st goal by Zaki. What bothered me however is how they ALLOWED ALGERIA BACK INTO THE GAME!!!! The mark of a true champion in ANY SPORT is to keep beating their opponents down no matter how big the score differential is (and yes i know they had to score a 2nd goal regardless to save their WC lives). I believe since they scored so quick and early they got comfortable and allowed Algeria to therefore be comfortable and settle into their defensive scheme. Egypt cannot afford to be comfortable on neutral ground to a team that will want to badly avenge their last second loss.
Like I said if i was Shehata, i’d focus on VAST IMPROVEMENTS during training and constantly point out the fact that the 2nd goal was at the last second and can be debated that it might have not even been legite (again all psychological) in order for the team to not walk into a game feeling they will walk all over Algeria. Let’s be real Algeria will fight for their lives and will give Egypt a game, and Egypt has to be ready and prepared for that.
Please Egypt…Please!!! Play like true professionals and take charge for 90 full minutes!!! This is your countries chance to shine!!! All Egyptians, whether Christian or Muslim have to join focres and pray pray pray!!! This is our time to shine as a PEOPLE AND CULTURE!!!!
Let’s go Egypt!!!
@Hisham: still looking for a ticket?? well i dont have one for you but i have a crazy (realy crazy) idea.
since algerians are getting free entrance by showing algerian passport (mr. bouteflika managed it, fans got free flight, visas, hotels and entrance, 100% confirmed) you should try (and now the crazy part comes, lol) to convince some algerian to help you! he could show his passport first, get in, and than he could pass you somehow the passport and than you come in, to be honest i would give it a try, you seem sympathic, im sure someone of the 10000 algerians there would help you….after getting entrance you can change to the egyptian side;-)
no way sudan is ready for this…its a good idea to involve both countrys in security…i can imagine algerian hooligans would fear an algerian policeman more than a sudanese! i agree with gabriel…this game should outside africa after all the incidents.
its gonna be a hell of a game, algerian won 3-1 at home, egypte 2-0….i dont see a clear favorite….psychological egypte has an adventage, but that could be poison for them, if the yget to confident, because i think algeria will fight like there is no tomorrow, how ever this game gonna be epic…but honestly im kind of happy when its over, it made me to much stress, to much sleepless nights, too much headpain….im 29 and im realy worried about my heart when algeria plays games like this, im serious, ITS NOT GOOD FOR MY HEART….even if we qualifie and we play Brasil…it would be a relaxed picknick for my heart….i dont no why, but when we play egypte its just stress for my heart, i admit……maybe because of 1989, i was 9 and ill never forget that game, for me personaly that special football relationship with egypte started 1989.
i hope algeria will do it, go for it desert foxes.
123….ta7ya eldjazair
GOT TICKETS!!!!!!! Consulate in NY were AMAZING. They got me a ticket for free AND got me a place to stay. I get to Khartoum 11:45. My flight is in an hr… GOING TO BE ANOTHER EPIC GAME.
Posted from United States
@Hisham: glad to hear that, have fun….im kind of jealouss;-)
AAAAA I wish I knew this was possible! Im in California but would have done it willingly!
Posted from United States
Hisham: it seems getting a ticket from NY is eaier than getting one from Cairo, i think you will be siting with the sudanese fans, no difference as they will support us.
don’t forget to provide us with pictures and videos of your trip 
have a age trip hisham…..
Posted from United States
safe….. Sorry typo
Posted from United States
To Uthman;
lol, I feel ya buddy; I can’t wait for this game to be played and END.
I can barely sleep, work, and dont feel doin like doin anything until the game. All thats on my mind is that damn game lol.
Were on the same boat, except the only diff. is Im Egyptian.
You’re a Very respectable person, and I have so much respect for ur team, cz I know they have the skill. It’s to bad that both teams cant be present in South Africa.
W/ That said, I am praying and have faith that Egypt will prevail at the end. It will be another nail biter, but I think it will end w/the score
Egypt 2-1 Algeria.
May the better team Win
Posted from United States
I am in Qatar now. My flight is in another 6 hours from Doha to Khartoum. I will take pictures ofcourse. Can’t believe I forgot my camera battery chargers!!! I am tired, I am filthy and EXCITED. I don’t care where I sit. Apparently some big shot repoter in Sudan pulled this favor for me (getting me the tickets) and he doesn’t even know me. Amazing!!!
Pardon me for asking…..who was it that attacked the Algerian Team Bus?
@Blonker
A bunch of crazy egyptians.
we shouldn’t judge a team or a country or a population based on a crazy minority. Vive L’Agerie and Ta7ya Masr, we are brothers!!
GO PHARAOHS!! GO EGYPT!!
I take back what I said.. balla 3orouba balla batee5′, screw brotherhood..
They are a bunch of berbers, I say get back all Egyptians from Algeria and Kicked Algerians out of Egypt, they are no longer welcomed!
egypt is losers and they are so stinky they are babies tey dont now how to say mom or dad or abcdefg….. but algeria are so good they dosent say any bad words
Posted from 
United Arab Emirates
you know no place for eygept in algeria because algeria cannot expect losers in their country and you know they made a big thing for the algerian people because they show that they are big losers because they keep talking and talking and algeria dont cair about them because algeria is biger than them dont cair about them or what they are talking about like blablablablablablabla
Posted from United Arab Emirates
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I somewhat agree with Gabriele. Traditionally we do bad when we are favorites- overconfidence creeps in and affects us. I think it is VITAL to say that we got our strategy wrong on Saturday. They were able to counter and we were resorting to longballs- until the late second half. We need to be humble, focused, and lear from last game if we want to win.
IMO Zidan has to start again. I know some will be down on him but it is essential that his workrate and dribbling are involved from the start. Plus he will be focused and hungry after a subpar performance. Is there any news on Hosni being back? What about Gomaa? DO you bench Saqqa for Gomaa? Lots of questions. I cant even bear to think of losing this game now but I think we have to approach it intelligently if we want to get the result. The Algerian team is rattled- if we do not capitalize I will be heartbroken
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