The Path to
Qualification
The qualification process began with 24 teams, as Lesotho,
Rwanda, and Togo withdrew before playing a match. Libya, despite advancing past
the first round, withdrew midway through the second round, leading to their
results being annulled. The structure of the qualifiers was meticulous:
- Eight top-ranked teams—Algeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast,
Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, and Zaire—received byes to the second round.
- The remaining 16 teams battled in knockout matches, with
the winners advancing to the second round.
- In the second round, 16 teams were divided into four
groups of four, playing home-and-away matches. Group winners advanced to the
final round.
- The final four—Egypt, Algeria, Cameroon, and
Tunisia—competed in home-and-away knockout matches for the coveted two spots.
Cameroon’s comprehensive victory over Tunisia secured their
ticket to Italy, while Egypt triumphed over Algeria in a historic and
tumultuous affair.
The Historic and Hostile
Affair: Egypt vs. Algeria
The final clash between Egypt and Algeria remains one of the
most intense encounters in African football history. With a goalless draw in
the first leg, tensions soared for the second leg in Cairo. Hossam Hassan’s
solitary goal before a partisan crowd of 125,000 secured Egypt’s place in the
World Cup for the first time since 1934.
However, the match was marred by chaos. Algerian players and
officials accused the referee of bias, leading to violent confrontations. The
referee had to be escorted off the field amidst a storm of protests, while
Algerian players turned their frustration toward the VIP area, hurling objects
in anger. Post-match, a violent altercation left an Egyptian team doctor
blinded in one eye, and Algerian football legend Lakhdar Belloumi was convicted
in absentia.
This episode left a lasting scar on Egypt-Algeria relations,
amplifying the stakes and emotions surrounding African football’s premier
competition.
Egypt’s World Cup
Journey: From Underdogs to Earned Respect
Egypt’s return to the World Cup in 1990 was a momentous
occasion. Pitted against European champions Netherlands, the physical Republic
of Ireland, and a formidable England squad, the odds were stacked against them.
Yet, the Pharaohs defied expectations, leaving an indelible mark on the
tournament.
Taming the Dutch
Giants
Egypt’s campaign began against the Netherlands, a team
brimming with stars like Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, and Ronald Koeman. Few
gave Egypt a chance, but the Pharaohs exhibited grit and determination.
Magdy Abdelghani’s penalty equalizer late in the game
secured a historic 1-1 draw. Reflecting on the match, Abdelghani noted the
disparity in skill but highlighted Egypt’s courage and preparation: “We weren’t
there to make up the numbers. We agreed it would be a battle of equals, and we
gave everything on the pitch.”
The result sent shockwaves through the football world,
proving that Egypt was more than just a token participant.
The Tactical
Stalemate Against Ireland
Egypt’s second match against Ireland was a tactical chess
game. Employing a defensive strategy that involved frequent back-passes to
goalkeeper Ahmed Shobair, the Pharaohs frustrated the Irish attack.
While the 0-0 draw earned Egypt a valuable point, it drew
widespread criticism. Ireland’s manager, Jack Charlton, lamented Egypt’s
negative tactics, accusing them of “not coming to play.” The game’s monotonous
nature even contributed to the eventual rule change outlawing goalkeeper
handling of back-passes, a landmark moment in football history.
The Final Test:
England
In their final group match, Egypt faced England, a team
known for its resilience under Sir Bobby Robson. Despite a spirited
performance, Mark Wright’s header sealed a 1-0 victory for England, ending
Egypt’s hopes of advancing.
Abdelghani reflected on the journey: “We left the tournament
with our heads held high. We proved we belonged on the world stage.”
Legacy of the
Pharaohs
Egypt’s 1990 World Cup campaign was a defining moment for
African football. Though they did not advance beyond the group stage, their
performances against top-tier teams earned global respect. The class of 1990
laid the groundwork for future generations, inspiring a nation and setting the
stage for the rise of stars like Mohamed Salah.
Their journey in Italy remains a testament to the power of determination and tactical discipline, proving that even underdogs can leave an enduring legacy on football’s grandest stage.
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