It was a cruel defeat for Egypt against Brazil in the Confederations Cup, but the Pharaohs could not have better preparations for the much more important World Cup qualifiers. Coach Hassan Shehata should not worry about results because the displays are all what matter in this eight-team tournament. The majority of national teams use it as a warm up for the World Cup qualifiers so Egypt, who last qualified for the quadrennial tournament in 1990, should do the same. The African champions produced a brilliant performance against Brazil and were close to holding them to a historic draw if it wasn't for some defensive lapses.
Anything less than a World Cup place will not be accepted This means that the Confederations Cup gives Shehata the perfect opportunity to assess the condition of all players ahead of next month's crunch tie against Rwanda. Egypt still have two group-stage games remaining against Italy and the United States that could further make things clear to Shehata over whether his selections were suitable. The national team have the right to eye a remarkable semi-final spot but if they fail to do so, it will not be a big deal. The real dream lies in the World Cup. Egypt should take heart from their memorable performance against Brazil and realize that any stumble against African minnows such as Rwanda will not be excused no matter what the circumstances are. Anything less than a World Cup place will not be accepted.
