Confederations Cup Preview: Egypt - United States

After beating Italy, Egypt will be looking to make it through to the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup with a win against the United States...

Jun 20, 2009 12:48:09 PM

More On :  Egypt, United States, Egypt vs United States
Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary celebrates after winning the match against Italy. He was one of the protagonists on the night.
Kick Off: Sunday 21 June 2009. 20.30 CET. Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg

Egypt know that a win against the United States this Sunday could take them through to the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup, at the expense of either Italy or Brazil. The Pharaohs put in a brilliant display against the World Cup holders to defeat them during the week and will be hopeful of picking up all three points against a United States side who are on the brink of going out…
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African Pride

Whilst many considered Group B a two-horse race between Brazil and Italy when it was drawn, Egypt have shown already that they are more than capable of mixing it with the best. The African champions looked dead and buried at 3-1 down against Brazil in their opener and, even though they eventually lost 4-3, they showed remarkable determination to level the match at 3-3 Kaka won the game for Brazil with a late penalty.

Building on that performance, they took on Italy and, thanks to an inspired performance from goalkeeper El Hadary, they managed to run out 1-0 winners, putting them on the same amount of points as the Azzurri. Now they face, arguably, the easiest side in the group this Sunday in the form of the United States and should progress to the semi-finals if they triumph.

If Italy beat Brazil and Egypt also win, all three teams will be on six points and it will come down to goal difference, which the African side could improve on against the United States. Certainly, if they do make it through to the knock-out stage it would be a huge shock, but there is no doubt they have plenty of quality in their ranks to test even the likes of Spain.

On The Brink

Whilst Egypt started their tournament off trailing Brazil 3-1, the United States actually began by taking the lead against Italy and looked set for a famous win until the second-half. Two strikes by Giuseppe Rossi and one by Daniele De Rossi eventually turned the tables in favour of the World Champions and condemned the United States to a disappointing, if not entirely surprising, defeat.

Against Brazil in their second match, the contest was much more one sided, with the South American side running out comfortable 3-0 winners and not really hitting top gear. As in the first game, though, the United States did themselves no favours by having a man sent off, and will now be without Sacha Kljestan for their final encounter.

Whilst they will start the game as the underdogs, the Americans have shown enough throughout the tournament to suggest they are capable of competing with the top teams, but unfortunately it has only been in flashes. If they are to make it through to the knockout round, they not only have to beat Egypt by a considerable margin but also have to hope that Brazil thrash Italy to turn the goal differences in their favour.

FORM GUIDE

Egypt

Jun 18 Egypt 1-0 Italy (Confederations Cup)

Jun 15 Brazil 4-3 Egypt (Confederations Cup)

Jun 6 Algeria 3-1 Egypt (World Cup Qualifier)

May 30 Oman 0-1 Egypt (Friendly)

Mar 29 Egypt 1-1 Zambia (World Cup Qualifier)

United States

Jun 18 Brazil 3-0 United States (Confederations Cup)

Jun 15 United States 1-3 Italy (Confederations Cup)

Jun 7 United States 2-1 Honduras (World Cup Qualifier)

Jun 4 Costa Rica 3-1 United States (World Cup Qualifier)

Apr 2 United States 3-0 Trinidad and Tobago (World Cup Qualifier)

TEAM NEWS

Egypt

After victory over Italy, Egypt are unlikely to change their formation but they will be without Mohamed Zidan.

The forward injured himself in the previous game and has not recovered in time, so Ahmed Eid could play up front.

Probable Line-Up (5-4-1): El Hadary – Fathi, Ahmed Said, Hani, Gomaa, Moawad – Aboutrika, Shawky, Hosni, Homos - Eid

United States

The United States will be without the suspended Sacha Kljestan but otherwise should stick to a similar side to the one which lost to Brazil last time out.

Probable Line-Up (4-3-3): Howard – Spector, Onyewu, Demerit, Bornstein – Bradley, Feilhaber, Beasley – Dempsey, Altidore, Donovan

PLAYER TO WATCH

Egypt

With Zidan out, Egypt will need to find inspiration from somewhere else and could it be in the form of Mohamed Aboutrika. The Al Ahly man has had an impressive tournament already and will be looking to continue it with a good performance on Sunday.

United States

Jozy Altidore had a difficult season in Spain on loan with Xerez but he has not shown any ill-effects this tournament and has looked one of the best players for the United States. His pace and strength should trouble the Egyptian defence and he will be the main outlet for the American team.

PREDICTION

Needing nothing short of a miracle to make it through to the knockout stages, it is hard to see the United States taking anything from this match, especially after their most recent performance against Brazil. Egypt know that a win should take them through to the semi-finals and they will be confident of picking up all three points.

Egypt 2-0 United States

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
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