A resolute defensive display helped Egypt to a 0-0 draw against heavyweights Spain in their Group C opener of the Tokyo Olympic Games on Thursday, giving them hope that they can pull off an upset and reach the knockout phase. Egypt's watertight backline and disciplined performance restricted Spain to a few opportunities throughout the game, even though the Pharaohs barely launched any breakaways at the other end at the Sapporo Dome stadium. The likes of Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo and Marco Asensio, all of whom were part of Spain's Euro 2020 squad, failed to breach Egypt's defence as the European heavyweights were off to a disappointing start. Both teams have one point each, with Argentina taking on Australia in the other Group C game later on Thursday. Egypt next face Argentina on Sunday. Egypt's dogged defending in the first half left little space for Spain to operate, with experienced defenders Ahmed Hegazy and Mahmoud El-Wensh, who were called up as over-age players, marshalling the five-man backline. Spain were unable to create any goal-scoring opportunities, apart from a shot from Dani Ceballos which came back off the post in the 26th minute. It was the same story in the second half but Egypt coach Shawky Gharib, sensing pressure, made three substitutions to beef up his inefficient attack, introducing Pyramids winger Ibrahim Adel, Ahly forward Salah Mohsen and Ittihad midfielder Ammar Hamdi. The substitutions made little difference but Egypt had the first sight of goal five minutes past the hour mark when Ramadan Sobhi held off his challenger on the left and pulled the ball back to Hamdi, whose curling effort went wide. But Egypt quickly returned to their defensive barracks, putting ten men behind the ball as Spain intensified their pressure in the latter stages. A free header from substitute Rafa Mir was easily saved by goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawi before Jesus Vallejo wasted Spain's best chance in stoppage time, popping up unmarked at the far post to side-foot wide with the goal at his mercy. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
