On 8th of October 2017, Egypt qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia.
Egyptians were truly happy and jubilant as the nation finally made it to big stage tournament since 1990!
Celebrations began all over the country.
The World Cup groups were announced, some were hoping to see honorable performances others hoped Egypt would make it out of the group as they had Russia, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
With losing in the final of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations and having an international superstar such as Mo Salah who had just played to the UEFA Champions League final although he was injured but Egyptians were getting really optimistic to pull off huge performances in Russia.
Backed with attention from the worldwide media Egypt started their world cup campaign against Uruguay on 6/15/2018
La Celeste missed chances left, right, and, center. Save from the keeper Mohamed El-Shenawy died both to Luis Suarez clear shot and an Edinson Cavani free kick in the 88th minute! Fighting for a point in their first ever world cup game since 1990 without their main talisman Mo Salah. Egyptian dreams were shattered as Jose Giminez scored an 89th minute header.
The Egyptians lost the game but won the hearts of many people as they lost with their heads high.
The following game was against Russia. Egyptians were more hopeful as Russia was a more beatable team than Uruguay.
Sadly the Egypt lost 3/1 and their dreams of making it out of the group stage had come to an end.
Finally to get a bit of pride back Egyptians were hoping to get a win against a poor Saudi Arabia but they did not go as planned as Egypt lost 2/1 in the 94th minute in a game that had crucial saves including a penalty from a 45 – year old Essam El Hadary.
That's a story of a nation's dream, crushed in weeks, but still the Egyptians will continue to dream of better in Qatar 2022!
