Last-gasp Kaka sinks fearless (Pharaohs) Egypt
June 16th 2009 09:55
A last-gasp Kaka penalty snatched Brazil a 4-3 victory over a courageous Egypt in an exhilarating Group B opener at Free State Stadium. Dunga's side carried a two-goal cushion in at the break, but a quick-fire double had the Pharaohs level until the former FIFA World Player's second goal of the game injury time.
It took Brazil just five minutes to break the deadlock. There appeared to be little danger when Daniel Alves's dink found Kaka inside a congested penalty area, but the No10 subtly tricked his way past two opponents before casually sliding the ball home.
Egypt responded swiftly, with Mohamed Aboutrika's right-wing cross being headed in by Mohamed Zidan, but they fell behind again on 12 minutes, when Luis Fabiano's head guided an Elano free-kick into the bottom corner of the net.
Elano and Juan both came close to doubling A Seleção's lead, before the latter did just that by heading home the former's corner in the 37th minute.
Egypt refused to submit to their more illustrious opponents, though, and scored twice in two minutes to restore parity, Mohamed Shawky's firm, low drive from the edge of the box preceding a 55th-minute strike from Zidan.
Both sides then had their chances, but the game appeared destined for a 3-3 draw. That was until goal-bound Lucio effort was handled on the line by Ahmed Al Muhamadi.Your text goes here The Egypitan defender was sent off, and Kaka coolly passed the ball into the bottom corner of Essam El Hadary's net to ensure Dunga's side made a wininng start to the defence of their crown.
Brazil coach DungaYour text goes here praised his side's never-say-die attitude after today's last-gasp 4-3 victory over Egypt in their FIFA Confederations Cup opener. The South Americans had to rely on a 90th-minute Kaka penalty to overcome their brave opponents and claim a barely-deserved win in Bloemfontein.
"We almost paid for the lack of rhythm today. It wasn't easy getting those three points and what pleased me most about today was the fact that we kept going until the end, trying to score the winner."
Brazil had looked to be on their way to an easy win in Group B, after first-half goals from Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Juan opened up a 3-1 lead at the break. But a fragile first-half defensive performance meant they never fully looked in control of the contest, and two goals in as many minutes soon after the restart, from Mohamed Shawky and Mohamed Zidan, had the Africans dreaming of a memorable win.
Those hopes were dashed a minute from time, however, when defender Ahmed Al Muhamadi handled a Lucio shot on the line and was given his marching orders. New Real Madrid signing Kaka, who had been a largely peripheral figure, then stepped up to coolly convert the spot-kick and deny Egypt.
Though Egypt lost, I think and believe they really did give a very good account of themselves. They raised hell on one of the best teams in the world and we hope that they will at least give the same treatment to Italy (World cup holders) and give a good thrashing to he USA, who i believe are more of underdogs as compared to the Pharaohs.
To me Egypt won in terms of confidence and determination Your text goes hereknowing they can measure up with the worlds greats. Its just unfortunate that they had to concede a penalty at eleventh hour!!
It took Brazil just five minutes to break the deadlock. There appeared to be little danger when Daniel Alves's dink found Kaka inside a congested penalty area, but the No10 subtly tricked his way past two opponents before casually sliding the ball home.
Egypt responded swiftly, with Mohamed Aboutrika's right-wing cross being headed in by Mohamed Zidan, but they fell behind again on 12 minutes, when Luis Fabiano's head guided an Elano free-kick into the bottom corner of the net.
Elano and Juan both came close to doubling A Seleção's lead, before the latter did just that by heading home the former's corner in the 37th minute.
Egypt refused to submit to their more illustrious opponents, though, and scored twice in two minutes to restore parity, Mohamed Shawky's firm, low drive from the edge of the box preceding a 55th-minute strike from Zidan.
Both sides then had their chances, but the game appeared destined for a 3-3 draw. That was until goal-bound Lucio effort was handled on the line by Ahmed Al Muhamadi.Your text goes here The Egypitan defender was sent off, and Kaka coolly passed the ball into the bottom corner of Essam El Hadary's net to ensure Dunga's side made a wininng start to the defence of their crown.
Brazil coach DungaYour text goes here praised his side's never-say-die attitude after today's last-gasp 4-3 victory over Egypt in their FIFA Confederations Cup opener. The South Americans had to rely on a 90th-minute Kaka penalty to overcome their brave opponents and claim a barely-deserved win in Bloemfontein.
"We almost paid for the lack of rhythm today. It wasn't easy getting those three points and what pleased me most about today was the fact that we kept going until the end, trying to score the winner."
Brazil had looked to be on their way to an easy win in Group B, after first-half goals from Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Juan opened up a 3-1 lead at the break. But a fragile first-half defensive performance meant they never fully looked in control of the contest, and two goals in as many minutes soon after the restart, from Mohamed Shawky and Mohamed Zidan, had the Africans dreaming of a memorable win.
Those hopes were dashed a minute from time, however, when defender Ahmed Al Muhamadi handled a Lucio shot on the line and was given his marching orders. New Real Madrid signing Kaka, who had been a largely peripheral figure, then stepped up to coolly convert the spot-kick and deny Egypt.
Though Egypt lost, I think and believe they really did give a very good account of themselves. They raised hell on one of the best teams in the world and we hope that they will at least give the same treatment to Italy (World cup holders) and give a good thrashing to he USA, who i believe are more of underdogs as compared to the Pharaohs.
To me Egypt won in terms of confidence and determination Your text goes hereknowing they can measure up with the worlds greats. Its just unfortunate that they had to concede a penalty at eleventh hour!!
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