Bob Bradley could not have faced a stiffer test in his Egypt debut as the American coach begins his new adventure against five-time world champions Brazil in Qatari capital Doha on Monday.
The bald-headed boss, who took over in Egypt following the departure of highly successful coach Hassan Shehata, is burdened with the responsibility of ending the team’s 20-year wait for a World Cup appearance.
He is set to embark on a rebuilding process to atone for Egypt’s failure to qualify for next year’s African Cup of Nations finals.
His tenure starts on Monday against Brazil, who are also aiming to recover from a barren run to approach the 2014 World Cup on home soil in the best possible shape.
“I can see that it is a dream everyone here has to qualify for the 2014 World Cup,” Bradley said in an interview with Reuters.
“Everyone you see in the street, the first thing they say: please, Brazil,” he added, referring to the eagerness of Egyptians to see their national team in World Cup action for the first time since 1990.
THE MATCH WILL BE LIVE ON WWW.NILESPORTS.TV
Match Promo:
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Interview with Zaki Ab El Fatah (Egyptian Goalkeeper Coach)
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KEY PLAYERS:
Egypt:
Mahmoud Abdel-Razek ‘Shikabala’
Egyptian fans are eager to see Zamalek’s attacking midfielder in top form against Brazil as he often underperforms for the national team despite his undoubted talent.
Shikabala has scored only one goal for Zamalek in six matches this season, but is considered one of the most effective players in the squad as he often makes decisive contributions.
The 25-year-old forward, who constantly menaces opponents with dazzling tricks and powerful left-foot shots, needs to do his best against the five-time world champions to book a regular place in Bob Bradley’s squad.
Ahmed Fathi
Ahly’s Fathi is the number one defensive midfielder in Egypt, constantly closing down space to stop opponents’ attacks. It is unclear in which position Bradley will utilise this versatile player.
Egypt’s youngest ever international debutant is one of most influential players in the squad.
The former Sheffield United man has improved his attacking abilities, scoring goals via set-pieces and whipping in inch-perfect crosses for his team mates.
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Emad Meteb
Meteb is likely to play alone up front against Brazil.
The 28-year-old is Ahly’s top scorer with five goals in six games so far this season since recovering from a broken rib.
He is Egypt’s regular number 10 thanks to his aggressive style and ability to pick good positions to score inside the penalty box.
Brazil:
Daniel Alves
Coach Mano Menezes is expected to field a strong team against Egypt and will make use of the Barcelona full-back’s powerful right-foot.
Despite being the most expensive right-back in history, he has been unable to hold down a regular starting spot for Brazil, with Inter Milan’s Maicon being the first choice ahead of him.
Alves is notable for his Roberto Carlos-style free-kicks and dangerous crosses whipped in to find the space between keepers and defenders.
Hernanes
Lazio’s attacking-midfielder is noted for his dribbling skills, being neat and tidy in possession, and spraying the ball out wide to stretch play.
Despite making only six appearances for the Selecao, Brazilian fans put their bets on his accurate and powerful strikes that can change any game.
Hernanes scored a header during Brazil’s comfortable 2-0 friendly win over Gabon on Thursday.
Givanildo de Souza “Hulk”
The strength and stocky build of the Porto striker are his foremost attributes, along with speed, acceleration, and a powerful shot.
Hulk came close to scoring against Gabon on Thursday, latching onto a fine pass but the goalkeeper Ovono made a good save.
He has made only seven appearances for the Brazilian national team.
World Ranking: Egypt (29) / Brazil (5)
Previous encounters:
29 Apr 1960: Egypt 0-5 Brazil /Friendly
1 May 1960: Egypt 1-3 Brazil /Friendly
6 May 1960: Egypt 0-3 Brazil /Friendly
17 May 1963: Egypt 0-1 Brazil /Friendly
12 Oct 1964: Egypt 1-1 Brazil / Olympics
15 Jun 2009: Brazil 4-3 Egypt / FIFA Confederation Cup
THE MATCH WILL BE LIVE ON WWW.NILESPORTS.TV
Related Video:
Egyptian National Team (In Qatar’s AirPort)
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