CAIRO - Egypt's U-20 national team have finished their preparations for their tough, crucial game against Argentina, who have won the title a record six times, in the round of 16 in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, being played in Colombia Tuesday at 12am (Cairo local time). “We have finished our preparations and I think they can do it,” said Diaa el-Sayyed, Egypt's U-20 coach, after the last training session of the Young Pharaohs, prior to their clash against Argentina, in the city of Medellin in Colombia. “My players are capable of performing miracles, provided they do all they can to please the fans. Argentina are a strong team, but we are a big team and are also very motivated," he added. In the first round, the Young Pharaohs drew against Brazil, beating Panama 1-0 and giving Austria a 4-0 thumping. Egypt finished second in Group E with seven points, behind leaders Brazil on goal difference. Egypt's hero Mohamed Ibrahim scored a hat-trick, the first by an African player in FIFA U-20 World Cup history, in the Pharaohs' thrashing of Austria. According to el-Sayyed, the young Pharaohs are refusing to break their fast prior to their tough clash against Argentina, on the ninth day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. "All the players refuse to break their fast. I will not force them to do something they don't want; they are free to fast or not," added el-Sayyed, stressing that they are confident and believe they have what it takes to conquer the Argentineans. He admitted that Argentina are one of the best teams in the tournament. “But we are also a great team with the ambition to win. We'll use the same tactics we used against Austria. We're determined to overcome Argentina and qualify for the quarterfinals.” Africa has three teams, including Egypt, in the round of 16 in Colombia. Nigeria and Cameroon have also made it to the knockout stage, while Mali, Africa's fourth representative in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, exited at the group stage. Egyptian Football Association (EFA) Chairman Samir Zaher said the U-20 national team, till now, have made their fans happy. "I have a high regard for their self-confidence, the way they play and their spirit,” Zaher said on EFA's official website. “I hope that Egypt will give another great performances against Argentina Tuesday night,” he added. Magdi Abdel-Ghani, an EFA member and the head of the Egyptian delegation in Colombia, believes that the players can do very well against Argentina. "I trust them, as they concentrate even better against the big boys like Argentina and Brazil," he added, pointing out that all the Egyptians had the same feeling when the Young Pharaohs met Brazil in the opener of the big tournament. Amr Abul Magd, a soccer expert, explained that the current generation of young Egyptian players include many who starred in the Premier League last year, gaining a lot of experience. "These players have prepared well and gained all the required experience by playing throughout the last league season,” he stressed. Abul Magd also had words of praise for Diaa el-Sayyed and his tactics."He's recruited some great players, like Omar Gaber, who's so versatile. They're not afraid and like to attack. This happened in the Brazil game and I think it will happen in the Argentina game," he explained. Hassan el-Shazli, another soccer expert, said: "I am confident that the Young Pharaohs will do the African continent proud in this big event. The team include many talented players especially goalkeeper Ahmed el-Shenawi, the best stopper in the tournament so far.” Ali Abu Greisha, a soccer expert who used to pay for Ismaili, said that this generation would represent their country for the next few years. "The Young Pharaohs have restored the confidence that was lost in Egyptian football at the international level. This team will be the future, because the players are talented, motivated and extremely self-confident," Abu Greisha explained. "I expect to see them in the semi-final of the tournament, as the team includes talented players such as Mohamed Ibrahim, goalkeeper Ahmed el-Shenawi, Mohamed Salah, Mohamed el-Nini, Ahmed Sobhi and Ahmed Hegazi.” Taha Ismail, another soccer expert, predicted that the Young Pharaohs will play a great game. "After playing a great game, it is normal for a team's performance to drop in the next game, but the important thing is to win,” he stressed. Maggie el-Halawani, an EFA member, praised the team for the way they played in the first round of the big tournament. "The Young Pharaohs played well in the three games, especially the opener against Brazil, and we expect more from them, especially against Argentina. "Argentina's game is a very difficult one and we can't predict what will happen. But we are confident that our young men will prove themselves and do their country credit,” she commented. Meanwhile, Argentinean coach Walter Perazzo said forward Erik Lamela has recovered from an ankle sprain and will be ready to play against Egypt Tuesday tonight. Perazzo stressed that they mustn't underestimate Egypt. “The Egyptian national team are tough opponents and they played a good game against Brazil. We are very confident, but we must take the necessary precautions against a classy team like Egypt,” he added. Argentina topped Group F with 7 points after beating North Korea 3-0, as Mexico came second and England drew all their matches 0-0, finishing third in the same group. Argentina has won the Under-20 World Cup a record six times and has picked up five of the last eight titles. Argentina stunned Egypt with a 7-1 win in 2001, before eliminating them two years later 2-1 in the round of 16. Argentina also beat Egypt 2-0 in 2005. The last four winners and runners-up in the FIFA U-20 World Cup: In Egypt, 2009: Winners: Ghana Runners-up: Brazil Third: Hungary In Canada, 2007 Winners: Argentina Runners-up: Czech Republic Third: Chile In Holland, 2005 Winners: Argentina Runners-up: Nigeria Third: Brazil In the UAE, 2003 Winners: Brazil Runners-up: Spain Third: Colombia
