With the Round of 16 match between reigning world champions, Egypt VS Argentina looming over the horizon. It’s very apparent that an Egyptian victory would be a massive upset. But it’s actually a lot closer than what you may believe, and here’s why.
March 26, 2008:
The one and only senior-level meeting between the two countries was a friendly in Cairo. A game the Argentinians won 2-0. With goals from the legendary “Kun” Agüero, and Nicolás Burdisso. This was a full strength Egyptian side too, featuring legends like Mohamed Aboutrika, Mohamed Zidane, Ahmed Hassan, and Essam El-Hadary. But it’s what happened next that we should focus on.
This wouldn’t be the first time we’ve beaten world champions
19th June, 2009:
The scene was set at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. And in a game where the Italian attack peppered El-Hadary’s goal with attacks, the Egyptian keeper and defense stood fast. Until the 39th minute, when Aboutrika produced an exquisite cross, onto the head of Mohamed Homos, who headered off the post and into the back of the net. Egypt had beaten the world champions.
World Cup history is on our side:
In three previous editions of the world cup: 2006, 2018, and 2022. The team that beat Australia in the first round of the knockouts, has gone on to win the World Cup. So… If history does in fact repeat itself, the Pharaohs could very well be World Champions.
We Have our very own alien:
If they have the world’s GOAT, we have our very own GOAT too. And his numbers this tournament don’t lie. It’s clear Mohamed Salah’s playing with more conviction than he ever has for the national team. And according to FotMob, the Egyptian captain has created the most chances out of anyone in the world cup so far. Averaging 4.3 chances per 90 minutes. And we can bet one of those will be converted into a goal against Argentina.
So, convinced yet? Because we are
The pharaohs have already given us more happiness than we know what to do with. Producing good performance after good performance. And creating history with every game they play. And we think they might just pull it off again. This time against the reigning champs.
Do you think Egypt can pull of the miracle? Let us know down in the comments!
