Egypt vs. Algeria � the �hate match� has already kicked off online
The Algerian Fennecs take on the Egyptian Pharaohs for a place in the 2010 World Cup on November 14. With a week still to go before the game, things have already turned nasty, both countries accusing the other of corruption.
The qualifier is crucial. For the moment, Algeria have the higher ground – a draw or even a 1-0 defeat would still leave them on their way to South Africa. Egypt, who need to win by a margin of at least two goals to qualify, are hoping the home advantage will give them a helping hand.
For the fans, the battle has already begun. Insults, aggro and accusations of corruption abound on the Net. Several Facebook groups have urged FIFA, the football governing body, to choose an impartial, European, referee for the match.
�They accuse us of having bribed the ref for the Zambia match. It�s not true!�
Ibrahim Arafat is a student and fervent Egypt supporter from a suburb in Cairo.
Egypt’s going to win, inshallah (if God is willing”). The Algerians will play well, they’re going to try hard to block our attacks. But our chances of winning are high.The Algerians have always been aggressive towards us. We still haven’t forgotten about the Belloumi incident [Egyptian team doctor Ahmed Abdul-Minim Abdul-Hadi accused Algerian midfielder Lakhdar Belloumi of hitting and wounding his eye during the 1990 World Cup qualifier in 1989]. This match is going to bring their aggression levels higher than ever. They’re already attacking Egyptian players on their Facebook groups and they accuse us of having bribed the ref for the Zambia match. It’s not true! We deserved to win.
Tickets for the November 14 match were sold out within a month. The stadium is going to be on fire, and no doubt the streets will be deserted.”
Here is a video for the Egyptian fans and inchallah we will win lets all cheer together and pray all 80 000 000 in Egypt and all the Egyptian fans from all around the world
GO EGYPT GO
