BARRANQUILLA - Egypt secured a surprising but deserved 1-1 draw against Brazil on the opening day of the Under-20 World Cup on Friday. Danilo gave Brazil a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute with a header from a corner, but Egypt equalized through Omar Gaber in the 26th. Egypt deserved at least a draw, as they were sharper in attack, tougher in defence and always able to keep Brazil on edge with their counterattack. Brazil and Egypt each have one point in Group E, the same as Austria and Panama, who drew 0-0 in a match earlier on Friday. Gaber equalized in the 26th, scoring from 10 meters (yards) after Danilo failed to clear a cross into the area. The low shot got through the hands of Brazil goalkeeper Gabriel. Gaber could have given Egypt at 2-1 lead in the 48th, but despite taking his time and being left along he shot just wide of the far post from 12 meters (yards). In the 85th, Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Elshenawi had to leave the match after being struck in the face by Henrique, who chased a loose ball into the area and inadvertently kicked Elshenawi in the face. Egypt had a substitution up their sleeve to allow the back-up keeper to come on. The performance has to make Egypt one of the early dark-horse choices for the title while casting doubt upon the claims of Brazil, which are a perennial favourite in any tournament. Brazil face Austria next and Egypt go against Panama.
