The U-20 World Cup is set to get underway and expectations from the young Egyptians are high. Given some impressive performances in recent tournaments, a new generation of Egyptian footballers is looking to steal the limelight this month. The Egypt youth finished third in the 2001 competition in Argentina, where the likes of Hossam Ghaly, Mohamed Shwaky and Sherif Ekrami emerged. Two years later in UAE, Egypt were eliminated from the quarter-finals by eventual champions Argentina, only losing by an extra-time strike. This time Egyptians have the home advantage, which could vastly help them make an unprecedented achievement for their nation. "The home support and the knowing the grounds are important weapons that we must get the maximum benefit from, just as the crowd was the driving force behind the senior team's victory in the 2006 African Nations Cup," said assistant coach Hani Ramzi. "Our players are looking forward to the crowd's support and we hope to see this massive ground full to the rafters. "But at the same time we worry that the pressure of the occasion might affect the players or cause them to lose focus." The Team A number of promising, yet unknown players eager to make a name for themselves, form the Egyptian team, led by Czech manager Miroslav Soukup.
Talaat The star of the team and the most notable player is Ahli youngster Mohamed Talaat, who has the potential to lead the Red Devils' attack in the near future. Talaat, an enthusiastic forward and clinical finisher, could be paired with either Ahmed Fathi 'Boogi' or Hossam Arafat of Zamalek upfront. The playmaker role is occupied by Ahli's Mahmoud Toba, the team's vice-captain and a midfield schemer who can shoot from range. Ismaili's Ahmed Hegazi, one of the youngest players in the squad, presents the spine of Egypt's defense, along with Saad Samir of Ahli. In goal, first-choice keeper is promising ENPPI guardian Mohamed Abou-Gabal, who is dubbed the 'New Hadari'. The U-20 World Cup Page Teams Star Players Cities and Venues Fixtures and Results History
