Egypt U-20 striker Mohamed Talaat was stunned when he saw a huge number of fans attend the team's opening World Cup game against Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday. There were growing concerns that fans would not care much for the tournament after a poor promotional campaign from the local organizing committee. But the young Pharaohs played in front of a sell-out crowd at 80,000-seat Egyptian Army Stadium in Alexandria. They were cheered up by the enthusiastic fans to thump Trinidad 4-1 in the opening match of Group A. "I expected that my family members would be the only attendees tonight," Ahli's Talaat told reporters after the match. "The fans' support made the difference and helped us produce a great display." Talaat was a constant threat throughout the game despite squandering several clear-cut chances. His efforts eventually paid off when he scored Egypt's third goal from a rebound. "This win will boost our morale ahead of the upcoming matches," he added. Egypt next face Paraguay on Monday in the group that also includes Italy.
