Egypt’s World Cup ended in heartbreak but they gave the country reason to smile | Karim Zidan

For Egypt this World Cup was about more than football – it was the first glimpse of collective joy that Egyptians have enjoyed in 15 years

For nearly 15 minutes on Tuesday it seemed Egypt were about to complete one of the great World Cup upsets. The Pharaohs were up 2-0 against Argentina, the world champions. The goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir, had earlier saved a penalty to deny Lionel Messi an equaliser. Then, late in the second half, Argentina staged a remarkable comeback. Inspired by their talisman, they scored three goals in 13 minutes to book a spot in the quarter-finals, ending Egypt’s magical run.

The dramatic match transformed Egyptians’ triumph into heartbreak, and then into anger over what many regarded as a refereeing decisions that favoured Argentina. Yet amid the frustration, there was also a kindling sense of pride. When the Egypt team returned to their hotel in Atlanta, they were greeted by legions of fans who gathered to show their appreciation. It was an emotional reception, the players standing and applauding in a shared moment of gratitude – a reminder that, despite the heart-wrenching end, this team had given Egyptians their first glimpse of collective joy in 15 years, dating back to the 2011 Egyptian revolution.

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