Hosts Egypt are out to clinch a berth in the quarter-finals of the U-20 World Cup when they play Costa Rica at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday. Egyptians registered huge turnout in the crucial group game against Italy, with more than 60.000 spectators waving flags and shouting supporting slogans for the young pharaohs. Costa Rica's clash is predicted to attract even more fans due to the fact that the 6th of October is a national holiday in Egypt, commemorating the military victory over Israel in 1973. Egypt are one of the most prolific teams in the competition as they scored nine goals in three games, including four against Italy, who have already qualified for the last eight at the expense of Spain. But Egypt coach Miroslav Soukup is still worried over defensive mistakes after conceding two goals per match in the group stage. "Today is a new start for the tournament and we must treat the knockout stage extremely carefully," Soukup told a press conference.
"From now on you don't get a second chance to correct a poor performance," added the Czech coach, who took his country to the final game of the World Cup in 2007. Soukup hopes defenders Ahmed Hegazy and Salah Soliman are fit after missing out since taking part in the opener against Trinidad & Tobago through injury. He welcomes back his energetic midfielder Hossam Arafat, who missed last game due to suspension. But Arafat's availability will make a selection headache for Soukup after stand-in forward Ahmed Shoukri scored twice against Italy. Another hero from Italy game, Ahmed Fathi "Bogy" who also registered a brace, might also stay on the sidelines as Soukup prefers to deploy Mohamed Talaat as a lone striker.
