BOB World Cup 2006 Preview - Egypt
2015.02.14 16:25
Overall Odds: 300/1
Group H Winners: 10/1
Egypt qualified for his or her third-straight finals in spectacular fashion in-the final round of fixtures. They needed just a point against arch-rivals Morocco but were walking 2-1 until Nuremberg midfielder Adel Chadli netted the crucial equaliser 20 minutes from the finish.
Egypt had not dropped at home to Morocco in 45 years and the attract Rades guaranteed they qualified in front of their competitors. Morocco actually remained unbeaten in 1-0 fits but finished one point behind Tunisia who qualified for a place in Germany in front of them.
Since beating Mexico in their first-ever World Cup match in 1979, Tunisia have failed to win yet another since so its simple enough to find out why all of the media fuss has been made in regards to the four debutantes from Africa rather than Roger Lemerres part. Much was expected of them four years ago but they finished bottom of the party featuring Russia, Belgium and Japan, gaining just a point contrary to the Belgians. They're, nevertheless, the only African side from 2002 to be eligible for this World Cup.
Lemerre was heralded a saviour after Tunisia beat Morocco in the 2004 Cup of Nations and two years on, he will assume his side-to make an impact on the international stage. Egypt don't have a success of star players, but results have improved considerably since Lemerre took charge.
Egypt have two strong defenders in Ajax whole right back Hatem Trabelsi and Bolton Wanderers Rahdi Jaidi that has been courted by both Arsenal and Manchester United. Goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel turned 4-0 in April but there are few better picture corks playing on the place. The staff is captained by midfielder Riadh Bouazizi, a difficult fixing expert now at Kayserispor with more than 50 hats to his name.
In attack they have the mercurial Francileudo dos Santos. Since taking score on his debut against Benin and Tunisian citizenship in 2004, the Toulouse striker has netted 1-3 goals in 18 appearances. H-e scored six goals throughout qualifying including a four-goal salvo in the thumping against Malawi. Nicknamed Roadrunner by club team-mates, dos Santos has the ability to cause panic against the best of defences.
Of all the qualifiers, Tunisia will be the only people who can claim they have done it, seen and been. They know what to expect as does manager Lemerre who has past national team experience with France. They've a great chance to progress in this group but it depends if they're prepared to step up a gear against proven European competitors. Discover further on our partner URL - Hit this hyperlink: Adel Malek.
Encouraged Guess
Tunisia have improved since their last World Cup appear-ance in 2002 but may flunk in this group against new-comers Ukraine and the established Spain. Their finest potential for success will soon be against Saudi Arabia at odds of very nearly even money.
Egypt to defeat Saudi Arabia @ 10/11.