Egypt stun world champions Italy

[tenderheartusa79 14]

Mohamed Hommos' first-half header gave Egypt a stunning 1-0 victory over world champions Italy to revive their hopes of reaching the Confederations Cup semi-finals.

The Ismaili midfielder, who was given a surprising starting berth at the expense of skipper Ahmed Hassan, headed home the winner five minutes before the break to score his first international goal.

t was Egypt's first ever victory over a European side, and their first overall, in FIFA tournaments.

Italy suffered their first defeat against an African side in 15 matches.

Egypt, who suffered a cruel 4-3 loss to Brazil in their opener, moved to third spot on three points, behind second-placed Italy on goal difference.

They take on the United States, who have no points, in their last group-stage encounter on Sunday while Italy face Brazil.

Cautious Start

Both sides were cautious in the early stages, closing down space in midfield.

Egypt midfielders tried to release Ahmed Fathi down the right flank more than once but lone striker Mohamed Zidan couldn't make the most of the Ahli man's crosses.

Italy's energetic forward Giuseppe Rossi had two decent chances to break the deadlock.

The Villarreal man tried his luck from inside the area after 12 minutes but his right-foot shot went over the bar.

Thirteen minutes later, he saw a powerful shot from the edge of the area tipped over by Egypt keeper Essam Al-Hadari.

Too many mis-placed passes from the Italians helped Egypt gain control over midfield.

The Pharaohs pushed forward and stunned Italy with Hommos' goal shortly before the interval.

He rose unmarked to head home Mohamed Abou-Treika's inch-perfect corner in the 40th minute.

Al-Hadari Heroics

Italy created four clear-cut chances in the second period but Al-Hadari came to Egypt's rescue on those occasions.

Towering striker Vincenzo Iaquinta ghosted behind defenders to control a neat long ball, using his arm, but Al-Hadari rushed out of his goal to block the Juventus man's shot on 54 minutes.

Egypt coach Hassan Shehata was forced to take off Zidan, who seemingly played through the pain barrier after sustaining an injury in the first half, and introduced forward Ahmed Eid.

A neatly-worked counter attack on the hour mark gave Egypt the perfect chance to extend their lead but a poor pass from Eid to Abou-Treika was intercepted by Italy defenders.

Al-Hadari was called into action again on 70 minutes to deny the unlucky Iaquinta from close-range.

Substitute Riccardo Montolivo wasted another goalscoring opportunity four minutes later when he was found unmarked by a cut back from the left but his shot was blocked by the impressive Al-Hadari.

Iaquinta's cross-come-shot four minutes from time struck the crossbar.

In the dying minutes, Egypt players persistently exchanged passes to waste time and claim a historic win.

This Sunday it will be Egypt VS United Estates .so take care Americans the pharaohs are coming .

[HLM 1]

[Jenn! 918]

(sorry, I always root for Italy, even against the U.S.)

Did you catch Gattuso with his pants down?

[100% Al Ahly Fan 53]

Can't wait for the Egypt vs. U.S. on June 21!! That'll be good!!! Go Egypt!

Edited June 19, 2009 by 100% Al Ahly Fan

[Sandrila 1]

I don't watch soccer but I know hubby would love to see a match.

I have to see what channel and time it is on for us.

[tenderheartusa79 14]

(sorry, I always root for Italy, even against the U.S.)

Did you catch Gattuso with his pants down?

Yeah that was funny LOOOOOL. believe it or not we have a video clip for that. you better watch that clip LOL

Can't wait for the Egypt vs. U.S. on June 21!! That'll be good!!! Go Egypt!

go Egypt go Egypt its your birthday LOL.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

I watched the rerun of it. At the end all the Egyptians took their shirts off and hugged each other in this big group pile. Now all that's left is Egypt, Italy, USA, and Brazil each getting to play two games.

[HLM 1]

I know the match of US vs Egypt will be veryyyy interesting.....wondering which team my husband will root for?

Jenn!- hehehe I know Italy rocks!! and that's the whole point...we kicked their booties LOL

[100% Al Ahly Fan 53]

I know the match of US vs Egypt will be veryyyy interesting.....wondering which team my husband will root for?

Jenn!- hehehe I know Italy rocks!! and that's the whole point...we kicked their booties LOL

Hee hee, ROCK ON EGYPT!!

[Mrs.Bayoumi 0]

i WAS SOOOOO SURPRISED!

I will go for Egypt any time they play, unless its against the US... GO USA!

[JeanneVictoria 55]

Saw the game and was sooooo happy for Egypt!

[nurse1967 287]

It was such an exciting game and my hubby was so excited to hear that my 9 year old son was watching too and rooting for Egypt!!

[anitacastillo 0]

I read that the Egyptians had their hotel room(s) burglarized while this game was going on.

Didn't use the room safes

[Ihavequestions 419]

Can't wait for the Egypt vs. U.S. on June 21!! That'll be good!!! Go Egypt!

This household will be rooting for Masr.

(Don't say I'm not patriotic, either. America has baseball, football, basketball, hockey, etc., etc., etc. Egypt has soccer.)

[HLM 1]

I read that the Egyptians had their hotel room(s) burglarized while this game was going on.

Didn't use the room safes

I know!! its so disappointing!! they say there was negligence -sp?- from the players' leaving their money in drawers!