Video: Vingada tells Kooora (2/1) that Portugal's achievement inspires Egypt at the World Cup and names the strongest Arab side

"I'm in good shape and ready to go," he states, "though I'm not active on social media or represented by an agent." His track record—shaping teams across several countries, both at national level and in club football—speaks for itself.

In recent years I have also expanded my role as a technical director and consultant, delivering numerous seminars and lectures. I value this work because it lets me share my experience and insights, especially as the game continues to evolve. I stay current with modern methods and trends, so I remain ready.

Football is influenced by factors beyond my control, yet I am content with my work, confident in my ability, and ready to share my expertise, drive progress, and make a real difference wherever the game takes me.

I have extensive coaching experience, having worked in 12 countries, including my native Portugal. Every posting has been valuable, even the less successful ones, because victory is often within reach, yet sometimes beyond it.

One career highlight was guiding Portugal to the Atlanta Olympics, where we finished fourth. I then moved to Saudi Arabia and became the first Portuguese coach to win a continental title, claiming the Asian crown. It was my first venture outside Portugal, and it proved a resounding success.

In 2003 I joined Zamalek, an experience that broadened my horizons and those of my family; to this day I consider Egypt my second home. The club's then-president, Dr Kamal Darwish, gave me that chance, and together we made history.

Although results were not spectacular, my stint in Jordan was also rewarding. I followed the highly regarded Mahmoud El-Gohary and focused on revitalising the national team and renewing the squad after a successful cycle.

The environment and the country itself were wonderful, and Prince Ali—then President of the Jordanian Football Association and FIFA Vice-President—was a true gentleman and leader who provided everything the coach could need.

He has also worked in Iran, China, India and Malaysia, yet he regards the above experiences as the most influential in shaping his career.

This edition is different because, for the first time, 48 teams will take part—and, to be honest, I don't agree with that. I believe the World Cup should showcase only the very best national sides.

We're likely to see some routs and heavy defeats that, in my view, hinder the sport's development. Yet this debate is not just sporting; it's commercial too. More matches mean more money, and money always talks.

There are several groups, yet none qualifies as a 'group of death'. The tournament format ensures that the top two teams, plus several third-placed finishers, advance.

That said, one section containing France, Senegal, Iraq and Norway still looks well balanced. France are clear favourites, Senegal—the African champions—are also formidable, Norway, spearheaded by Haaland, could spring a surprise, and Iraq, though perceived as the underdogs, still possess an outside chance. At this early stage, I expect the strongest sides to progress, with no major upsets.

The expanded 48-team World Cup format improves Arab nations' chances of qualifying and competing on the global stage. Given the region's diverse football cultures and approaches, Morocco currently stands out as the strongest Arab side, Algeria remains competitive, and Egypt always possesses the talent to spring a surprise.

Egypt currently boasts a talented generation, yet most of its players remain in the domestic league, while only a handful ply their trade in Europe. That gap in competition level invariably shows in major tournaments once the pressure rises.

Nevertheless, I believe Morocco, Algeria or Egypt could still secure decent results, although replicating Morocco's historic run in Qatar will be tough. All three nations possess talented players and, in football, surprises are always possible. Nevertheless, I do not expect an Arab side to reach the quarter-finals in the next edition.

In 2021, I accepted an offer from Ahmed Megahed, then president of the Egyptian Football Association. The coronavirus pandemic made conditions extremely challenging. The Association wanted a two-year contract, but I proposed a one-year deal with an option to extend for a second.

I took charge amid daunting conditions: lockdowns, patchy communication and the ever-present threat of COVID-19—an experience everyone recalls. I even caught the virus during my tenure, underscoring the challenge.

After twelve months, President Ahmed Megahed stepped down following the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. and Gamal Allam replaced him. I had a respectful conversation with the new president, then stepped aside to let the incoming administration pursue its own vision.

Despite the challenges, I regard the experience as highly positive and beneficial. I left behind several detailed plans, and while I believe my work was solid, it could have been even more impactful under less trying circumstances.

Overall, it was a rewarding experience: we made significant progress in youth and women's football, and I am proud of what we achieved.

At the time, my primary responsibility was the Olympic, youth and women's teams, so my input with the senior national side was limited. Nevertheless, I remained ready to contribute whenever needed.

At that time, Hossam El-Badry was in charge of the senior side, and after the 1-1 draw with Gabon, I was in Cairo when I learned he was being dismissed. He had overseen nine matches—five wins and four draws—yet the Football Association still chose to act.

With little time before the next fixtures, President Ahmed Megahed turned to me, and we began searching for a replacement. Several candidates were suggested, and I was ready to step in if needed.

During our discussions, one name kept coming up: Carlos Queiroz. He was on his own farm in Mozambique, so tracking him down took time. After several days and a few unanswered calls, he finally replied, and I connected the two parties.

Mujahid sought my input, and I agreed that he was the right choice for the role.

I managed Zamalek during the 2003–04 season, and naturally, for any manager to win the league without suffering a single defeat, as well as the Arab Championship and the Egyptian–Saudi Super Cup, whilst achieving such impressive results, is something that leaves a lasting mark on one's professional career.

That success was exceptional for me, for the players, and for the entire staff—including assistant coaches Mahmoud Al-Khawaja and Hisham Yaken—who all played a vital role in our triumph.

Since then, opportunities to return to Egypt have occasionally surfaced. I regard Egypt as my second home, having worked there more than in any other country outside Portugal.

My approach to people, the local culture, and everyone involved in the game—from the media to rival clubs—helped me leave a legacy of respect, sportsmanship, and, above all, results. Winning the league without a single defeat is an exceptional achievement.

Manuel José achieved this several times and remains the benchmark for foreign coaches in Egyptian club football, while Hassan Shehata set a similarly high standard with the national team.

Those achievements later opened doors for me to return to Egyptian football, though the timing did not always work out.

As recently as two years ago, everything was set for my return, yet the move fell through at the last moment.

When it did not happen, it was either my choice or the club's decision that I was not the right coach for the job. Either way, Egypt will always be my second home.

Any coach hoping to make a mark in football must be ready to work anywhere. I have already worked in 11 countries besides Portugal, and every stint has been rewarding.

Football, after all, is not about nationality: it remains 11 versus 11, yet the cultures and mentalities can vary wildly from one nation to the next. For instance, I coached in both Korea and China—neighbors on the same peninsula yet worlds apart in every detail—so adaptability is non-negotiable.

Hossam Hassan is now manager of the Egyptian national team, and I recall the Pharaohs' exceptional run under Hassan Shehata, when Egypt won the Africa Cup of Nations three times in a row—an achievement almost impossible to replicate in the current era.

In my view, appointing an Egyptian coach was the right call: foreign mentors can introduce fresh ideas, yet there comes a point when internal leadership is needed.

I also believe Egypt has capable coaches who can lead the national team, and Hossam Hassan was given that chance. He easily secured a World Cup berth, as expected.

Recent results—a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia and a draw in Spain—confirm that the team is on the right track.

The World Cup is a different challenge, but the time is right to back him—and to trust that Egypt has the right coach and the right players for the job.

Selecting the national-team squad is a complex task: I am currently out of the loop and I know that choosing the ideal 23-man World Cup party is never straightforward.

Most observers would probably agree on around 19 or 20 names, so the real debate centres on the final three spots.

However, I trust that Hossam Hassan, with his deep knowledge of the squad, will pick the right players and the best combination to build a strong team, because the task is far from easy. It is time for Egypt to demonstrate its ability to achieve good results and progress in the tournament.

First things first, topping the group stage is paramount; after that, we'll reassess. The primary objective is to secure progression to the next round. That said, it will not be straightforward: the section is tightly balanced, and the clash with Iran could prove decisive. Nevertheless, in this tournament, advancing to the knockout phase is the bottom line.

Finishing first or second secures progression, but the third-placed team can also sneak through if results go our way, so we must target outcomes that keep that route open.

Portugal won Euro 2016 despite drawing all three group matches and finishing third, yet they still advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.

I believe Egypt is capable of qualifying for the next round, and once it gets there, the draw and the single-elimination format will determine its fate. I expect the team to reach that stage, and I hope it does.

This season's Egyptian Premier League has adopted a fresh format, with seven title contenders split into two groups, so one side sits out each round—a choice that feels neither fair nor ideal.

Nevertheless, the concept makes sense: a first phase followed by a 'play-off' between the leading sides can produce intense, competitive football, with no easy fixtures. This format has proven that supposedly weaker teams can earn points and even beat the heavyweights.

As the campaign enters its final stages, Al Ahly have dropped crucial points, and I now expect the title to be contested between Pyramids and Zamalek, with one of them ultimately lifting the trophy.

Hossam El-Badry is an Al Ahly legend with vast experience and intimate knowledge of the club. While I cannot comment on the current internal situation—and following Egyptian football from a distance naturally limits my perspective—his track record and loyalty speak for themselves.

Nevertheless, his vast experience, deep knowledge and proven loyalty—even when working for another club—make him a valuable asset. As professionals, we often move between clubs, and I have no doubt he can still add quality and help Al Ahly improve after a season that has fallen short of the club's usual standards.

Zizo's move is not uncommon in football; when a player transfers from one club to its traditional rival, the environment and circumstances inevitably change.

While some players who swap Zamalek for Al Ahly—or vice versa—sustain their form, others encounter difficulties.

Zizo is a proven performer, with strong seasons at Zamalek and impressive outings for Egypt's national team. His class remains evident, and how he adapts to fan expectations will be key.

I expect he will overcome this phase after this season, which will benefit both his career and Egyptian football as a whole, provided he rediscovers the form he displayed at Zamalek.

Egypt has been drawn in a group that includes Iran, and this encounter could prove crucial for claiming at least second spot, which would seal a berth in the next round.

Jordan has made remarkable progress over the past three or four years and finished as runners-up in the last Asian Cup. I consider Algeria the favourites, but talk doesn't win games. Every match starts at 0–0, and on a good day for Jordan, Algeria could be in real trouble.

Under this format, the third-placed team can also qualify, so I would not be surprised to see both Algeria and Jordan advance to the next round.