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World Cup Group A preview: Mohamed Salah and co set to surprise us all

By Shawn Ivan D'souza

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 23: Egyptian players pose for team photo during the International Friendly between Portugal and Egypt at the Letzigrund Stadium on March 23, 2018 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Robert Hradil/Getty Images)
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 23: Egyptian players pose for team photo during the International Friendly between Portugal and Egypt at the Letzigrund Stadium on March 23, 2018 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Robert Hradil/Getty Images) /
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The World Cup is around the corner and here is our preview on the African nation, Egypt

On 14th June, the wait for footballing fans around the globe will come to an end as we kick-off the World Cup. Football will take center-stage and more than half of the world’s population will be keeping an eye on the matches in Russia.

Teams from Europe and South America have dominated the tournament. But Russia provides an opportunity for African nations to leave their mark and Egypt are the top contenders to do so this summer.

Qualification Road: Egypt were drawn against Uganda, Ghana and Congo as the winners of the group would win the ticket to Russia.

Mohamed Salah was on fire for the Arab Nation as he scored 5 goals. On matchday 5, the Liverpool striker scored a penalty against Congo in the dying minutes of the game to seal qualification to the World Cup.

Last appearance: 1990 was the year when the Pharaohs last made their appearance on the World Stage. They were in the same group as England, Republic of Ireland and Netherlands. Egypt weren’t able to go far in the tournament after finishing last with 2 points.

Best Performance: Their performance in 1990 is also their best performance. But by overall ranking, 1934 World Cup would be a better performance. The Egyptians were beaten by Hungary in the first round of the tournament and finished 13th in the team rankings.

Manager: Argentina’s Héctor Cúper is the one entrusted to lead Egypt to success at the World Cup. He is known for managing some big European sides like Valencia and Inter Milan. In 2015, he joined the Egyptian national side and has been successful in steering the country to new heights.

Star Player: Mohamed Salah is the biggest name in the Egypt national side. The Liverpool forward had a wonderful season with his club, scoring 44 goals in 52 appearances. The 25-year old will be hoping to shrug off the Champions League final injury and help his country in Russia.

Prediction: The hopes of Egypt lie on their Premier League trio, Salah-Elneny-Hegazi. The Arab nation will be competing with Russia for the second spot as Uruguay are likely to top the group. But the Pharaohs seem to have the better side and could make it into the knockouts.

Next: Can Saudi Arabia cause an upset to Group A?

How far do you think Mohamed Salah can guide his country in this year’s World Cup?

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