Sports

Saturday June 20, 2009

Surprise package Egypt close in on last four

RUSTENBURG: Surprise package Egypt take on Bob Bradley’s under-performing United States here tomorrow with a place in the Confederations Cup semi-finals within their grasp.

The Pharaohs turned up in South Africa under a cloud after making heavy weather of early qualifying for next year’s World Cup.

But Hassan Shehata’s African champions have confounded their critics with two inspired performances against Brazil, where they were unlucky to go down 4-3, and Italy.

Mohamed Hommos’ first half goal against the world champions in Johannesburg on Thursday blew Group B wide open.

A win over the US will put Egypt on six points and into the last four if Italy fail to beat defending champions Brazil.

Victory for the Italians will put all three teams level, with goal difference the deciding factor.

Assistant coach Shawky Gharib told AFP: “Going into the last game there’s the possibility of Egypt, Brazil and Italy all being level.

“In any event the initiative is in our own hands. If we win by a wide margin we will go through regardless of what happen’s in the other game.”

Looking back on their first two games Gharib added: “Our first match against Brazil we were not very confident and made a lot of mistakes, but against Italy we played with more confidence and gained an historic win.”

Exciting times then for the Egyptians who could be without striker Mohamed Zidan, the author of a double against Brazil but who went off with a hamstring injury in Thursday’s match.

Defender Wael Gomaa, whose job it will be to contain the US captain and all-time leading goalscorer Landon Donovan, added: “We know we will need to work hard to beat the United States and qualify for the next phase.”

Winger Ahmed Fathi predicted: “The Americans will be difficult but we have to win it to go through.” — AFP

  • E-mail this story
  • Print this story

Sports Poll