Egyptians optimistic ahead of World Cup opener against Belgium
Eight years on from Egypt’s last appearance at the World Cup, the Pharaohs are back competing at the quadrennial extravaganza far removed from the negativity that surrounded their campaign at Russia 2018. Back then, the North Africans arrived at the World Cup with Mohamed Salah nursing a shoulder injury he sustained in the Champions League final, just 20 days prior to Egypt’s first game in Russia. The injury cast a dark cloud on the Egyptians, who were present at a World Cup for the first time in 28 years and were hoping to rely on their star winger to lead them against the hosts, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in their group. Salah missed Egypt’s opening game and was not 100 percent when he played in the other two. Logistical problems (the Pharaohs traveled over 8,500km to play all three games, the most of any team), drama surrounding Salah’s image rights, lack of security at the players’ hotel, and a controversial meet and greet with Chechnyan leadership, all marred Egypt’s long-awaited return to the World Cup and they left Russia with three losses from three games. After failing to qualify for Qatar 2022, Egypt went undefeated under head coach Hossam Hassan to punch their ticket to this year’s World Cup and they kick off their journey in Seattle on Monday against Belgium feeling prepared, positive and confident, despite the difficult task at hand against a team that finished third in Russia 2018. The feeling of optimism extends beyond the players and staff; it is felt on the Egyptian streets and in every household. Even the TV commercials in Egypt are sending a message of hopefulness, be it the Orange ads with the tagline “To all the doubters, this time we’re in it for the long haul”, or Salah’s Pepsi ad set to a Amr Diab
