World

After 28 years of absence, Egypt in World Cup Russia 2018

October 09, 2017

Renad Ghanem

Saudi Gazette

CAIRO — It was a historical Sunday night for the Egyptians after their National football team qualified to the World Cup Russia 2018, after 28 years of absence from the World Cup platform. Huge celebrations took place across the Egyptian cities and lasted till the early morning hours of the next day.

Egyptian player Mohamed Salah's goal in the last minute wrote the history that Egyptians waited for since World Cup 1990. Egypt wasn’t lucky enough around those years to get qualified to any of the World Cup events.

About 80,000 Egyptians attended the match in Burg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria. Many also watched the match in the public places like cafes and clubs.

Many Egyptians after the match said that they are planning to travel to Russia to attend the World Cup and support their national team.

“Qualifying to the World Cup was a dream. We spent 90 minutes of the game under pressure. We kept praying during the match. I’m 65 years old, so I felt that it’s my last time to see Egypt national team in the World Cup,” said Ahmed Badiea, a former banker.

“When Saudi Arabia qualified to the World Cup, I believed that it’s a positive sign for the rest of the Arabic football teams, and yes it was,” added Badiea.

“This is a historical moment for us as Egyptians. I believe that this qualifying has given a hope to the next generations that the World Cup is not a dream. I believe that all the players did a great job,” said Sherif Lotfy, a 30-year-old man. He added that he will travel to Russia to support Egypt team.

Salma Hamdy, a 25-year-old Egyptian, believes that being a part of the World Cup is the best thing that has happened to the Egyptians since ages. She also plans to travel to Russia with her friends.

“No words can express my feelings. It was emotional for all of us. I guess all the Egyptians cried happy tears. Millions of Egyptians were praying during the 90 minutes of the match. People will always remember this day. It’s a history for us,” said Salma.

“I believe that many Egyptians will travel to Russia including me to support our team. We are also very happy here that Saudi Arabia qualified to the World Cup,” said Salma.


October 09, 2017
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