Egypt Shocks Spain 2-1 to Secure Spot in Olympic Soccer Quarterfinals

Egypt Shocks Spain 2-1 to Secure Spot in Olympic Soccer Q...

By Keith Mado July 31, 2024 11:13

(AP Photo/Moises Castillo)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Moises Castillo]

With the scars of their bad performance in the February's AFCON still fresh, the young Pharaohs team is attempting to heal them by restoring pride to their country at the Olympic Games. Egypt raised the bar once more on Tuesday afternoon in Bordeaux, defeating the fearsome tournament favourites Spain to take Group C's lead. Egypt held off a pressing reshuffled Spain side to a 2-1 win.

After defeating Spain defeated the Dominican Republic in the second game of their group stage to get to the quarterfinals. Their coach, Santi followed in the footsteps of his old friend Luis de la Fuente by making ten changes for the less important final group game against Egypt. Aimar Oroz was the only starter from their Saturday's victory, and the Osasuna player started all three Olympic games. Diego López was likewise chosen above his namesake Fermin, and he got a chance right away.

Egypt's coach, Brazilian Rogerio Micale, decided to stick with the same starting lineup that defeated Uzbekistan. A vastly transformed Spain in Bordeaux, but their style of play would undoubtedly remain the same, with some players relishing the opportunity and starting well in a stretch of early control. Egypt had no intention of sitting back and letting an agitated Spain go through its goals. Needing a point to extend their stay in France, the Africans stormed out of the gate with zeal, winning the ball back in midfield before La Roja's reserves settled in.

In the first half, opportunities presented itself to both teams but they look defensively good. The defense of Spain didn't stand the test of time as it was broken open in the 40th minute by Ibrahim Adel curling home a safe contender for goal of the tournament, with La Selección falling behind for the first time in the games. Egypt, again in the lead, controlled the openings of the second half in the same way they had in the first, limiting their attacking minded Spanish opponents, who continued to miss chances to equalize. In the midst of a frenzy of Spanish opportunities, Egypt emerged and scored from nowhere again, with Jon Pacheco's suicide back pass to Alejandro Irtube allowing Adel to pick up the pieces and double their advantage with a mocking dink, sending La Roja to the floor.

Better late than never, Egypt was rocked by Samu Omorodion's late back-post header. Egypt retained its Group C dominance after an additional 10 minutes. Despite the pressure that followed, the exhausted Egyptians maintained their lead and eventually won the game 2-1, causing one of the biggest upset of the tournament. A more straightforward path to the semi-finals, where they will face the Group D runners-up in Marseille.

Ibrahim Adel was the scorer of Egypt's two important goals and that makes for an easy choice for the player of the tournament. The 23-year-old caused enough of problems to the opponents defense. Adel's blustering speed unraveled a disorganized Selección every time Egypt advanced. Adel, a sharpshooter in front of goal, came within inches of recording the first hat-trick in Men's Football at the Games. The Pyramid FC player may provide a reliable outlet for his country as they press on for Gold in France.