Mohamed Hommos' first-half header gave Egypt a stunning 1-0 victory over world champions Italy to revive their hopes of reaching the Confederations Cup semi-finals. The Ismaili midfielder, who was given a surprising starting berth at the expense of skipper Ahmed Hassan, headed home the winner five minutes before the break to score his first international goal. It was Egypt's first ever victory over a European side, and their first overall, in FIFA tournaments. Italy suffered their first defeat against an African side in 15 matches. Egypt, who suffered a cruel 4-3 loss to Brazil in their opener, moved to third spot on three points, behind second-placed Italy on goal difference. They take on the United States, who have no points, in their last group-stage encounter on Sunday while Italy face Brazil. Cautious Start Both sides were cautious in the early stages, closing down space in midfield. Egypt midfielders tried to release Ahmed Fathi down the right flank more than once but lone striker Mohamed Zidan couldn't make the most of the Ahli man's crosses. Italy's energetic forward Giuseppe Rossi had two decent chances to break the deadlock. The Villarreal man tried his luck from inside the area after 12 minutes but his right-foot shot went over the bar. Thirteen minutes later, he saw a powerful shot from the edge of the area tipped over by Egypt keeper Essam Al-Hadari.
Al-Hadari was Egypt's hero Too many mis-placed passes from the Italians helped Egypt gain control over midfield. The Pharaohs pushed forward and stunned Italy with Hommos' goal shortly before the interval. He rose unmarked to head home Mohamed Abou-Treika's inch-perfect corner in the 40th minute. Al-Hadari Heroics Italy created four clear-cut chances in the second period but Al-Hadari came to Egypt's rescue on those occasions. Towering striker Vincenzo Iaquinta ghosted behind defenders to control a neat long ball, using his arm, but Al-Hadari rushed out of his goal to block the Juventus man's shot on 54 minutes. Egypt coach Hassan Shehata was forced to take off Zidan, who seemingly played through the pain barrier after sustaining an injury in the first half, and introduced forward Ahmed Eid. A neatly-worked counter attack on the hour mark gave Egypt the perfect chance to extend their lead but a poor pass from Eid to Abou-Treika was intercepted by Italy defenders. Al-Hadari was called into action again on 70 minutes to deny the unlucky Iaquinta from close-range. Substitute Riccardo Montolivo wasted another goalscoring opportunity four minutes later when he was found unmarked by a cut back from the left but his shot was blocked by the impressive Al-Hadari. Iaquinta's cross-come-shot four minutes from time struck the crossbar. In the dying minutes, Egypt players persistently exchanged passes to waste time and claim a historic win.
