Match Preview: Egypt Face Japan in Quarter-Finals

Egypt plays Group D winners Japan this Saturday for a place in the Semi-finals.

Egypt overcame Belarus on Wednesday to clinch a spot in the quarter finals. Egypt started the game with a some what disappointing half, where they lacked speed in possession and seldom truly threatened Belarus. However, the Pharaohs came out a different side in the second half, breaking down the Belarus defense to net in three valuable goals. In doing so Egypt reached the competition’s quarter-finals for the first time since 1984. With a medal being Egypt’s End Game, the Pharaohs will have to overcome a strong Japanese side.

Topping a group that included Spain and Honduras, Japan is a disciplined side that plays to their strengths. One of these strengths is their defense, Japan has yet to a concede a goal in these olympic games. Upfront they aren’t nearly as strong and at times lack that killer instinct ( Meanwhile Kawaga lounges in a pub in Manchester to watch the game ) – but then again – who cares about scoring goals when you can shut down the opposition (recall Japan’s victorious run in the latest Asian Games – The Blue samurai’s conceded once in seven games). With that said its a safe bet to expect japan to mainly sit back and pick and choose their endeavors up the pitch wisely. Needless to say, Japan scoring against the run of play would be devastating.

Salah’s Knee

Egyptian striker Salah is said to have sustained a knee injury (it’s severity not entirely known) during the Belarus match. Pending the approval of FC Basel, It is said that he is willing to fight through it. Even though losing him certainly would be a big blow – one hope’s that the best decision, with his future in mind, is taken.

UPDATE: Mohamed Salah will be in the squad. They will decide in morning whether he’s starting or not.

“We will give it our best and see what happens” Olympic Coach Hany Ramzy

That’s the spirit

“I wasn’t playing, but we lost against Egypt quite recently. We don’t like that they beat us and we’ve been waiting to get our own back. Now we’ve have the chance to do so,” Suchi Gonda, Japan goalkeeper.