Egypt’s right back Ahmed Fathi ” I believe we will qualify”

Ahmed Fathi remains optimistic of his team’s chances to qualify for the World Cup round of 16 despite 1-0 loss to Uruguay in their opening clash on Friday.

“I am optimistic that we will reach the second round. We played a good game but we lost at the end. It was from a set piece and they grabbed a very late winner,” Fathi told beIN Sports after the game.

Fathi was one of Egypt’s best performers in Yekaterinburg, making some timely tackles down the flank as Egypt produced a solid defensive display on their first World Cup appearance in 28 years.The Pharaohs were undone by a 90th-minute header from defender Jose Gimenez though.

“We have two tough games and I believe we will win them and qualify for the next round,” the 33-year-old defender concluded.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=j3R5AVR7gcw

Egypt will play Russia on Tuesday before facing Saudi Arabia in their final group-stage game on 25 June.

Russia are top of the group after hammering Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the World Cup opener.