Egypt expects Mo-mentous World Cup

Salah leads hopes of defensively challenged Pharoahs in Russia

CAIRO — If any of the sides at this summer’s World Cup finals can be described as a one-man team it’s Egypt.

The north African nation’s chances seem to rest squarely on the shoulders of Mo Salah, who has been in stunning form for Liverpool this season, although playing at the finals will be a new experience for the 25-year-old.

Egypt qualified for the tournament for the first time in 28 years, and it will face host Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group A.

In last month’s warm-up games, headers proved to be Egypt’s undoing. Salah put the Pharaohs in front against Portugal, but Cristiano Ronaldo nodded in two late goals for the European champion. Against Greece, Egypt lost 1-0 to another header.

Here’s a closer look at the Egypt team:

Super Cuper

Hector Cuper took over in 2015 after a dismal run under former United States coach Bob Bradley. The Argentine inherited a seven-time African champion that had failed to qualify for the last three continental championships.

Not only did Cuper lead the team to the 2017 African Cup of Nations, but they reached the final before losing to Cameroon. The World Cup exile then ended with a game to spare in qualifying.

The pair of feats halted media criticism of Cuper’s tactics and turned him into a national hero. So much so that the country’s soccer federation is hoping Cuper reverses plans to leave the job after the World Cup.

However, doubts persist over whether Cuper has done enough to improve a squad that is notorious for losing the ball, squandering chances and its aforementioned aerial weakness.

Goalie oldie

At 45, Essam el-Hadary could become the oldest player to compete at a World Cup. Russia may be his last stop in a career spanning three decades that took him to clubs in Switzerland, Sudan and Saudi Arabia, where he plays for Al-Taawoun.

Despite his vast international experience, El-Hadary must guard against some of the lapses of concentration and poor decision-making that have surfaced in recent years.

Ahmed el-Shennawy was El-Hadary’s backup before being ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury. That leaves Al-Ahly’s Mohammed el-Shennawy (no relation) as a possible replacement.

West Brom buddies

Ahmed Hegazy is the rock of Egypt’s defense. At 6-foot-4 the 29-year-old centerback is formidable in the air and has been growing in confidence and authority in the Premier League even as his club West Bromwich Albion has struggled.

Ali Jabr, a teammate for club and country, has been rarely used by West Brom, but he could retain his place in defense because of his international experience.

Veterans Ahmed Fathy and Mohamed Abdel-Shafy look sure to start, with their runs on both flanks key to feeding the forwards.

Substitute defenders will most likely include Saad Sameer and Ayman Ashraf, both of Egyptian club Al-Ahly, and Ahmed Elmohamady of Aston Villa.

Elneny worry

Egypt will be hoping Mohammed Elneny fully recovers from a recent ankle injury sustained playing for Arsenal. Elneny and Abdullah Said, who plays for Finnish side Kuopion Palloseura, should provide a solid midfield backbone to feed Salah.

With their commitment and energy, the quality of the pair’s performances could prove to be the difference between Egypt being disjointed or fluid.

Their backups include Tareq Hamed of Egyptian club Zamalek and Amr Warda, who plays for Greek outfit Atromitos.

Main man

After scoring 43 goals so far this term with Liverpool, Salah will be looking to continue his prolific form on the biggest stage in Russia.

Salah, the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year, doesn’t get the same service with Egypt as he enjoys at Anfield. But he has shown versatility at Liverpool, switching positions to shake off markers, and a similar free spirit will surely help his cause in Russia.

Salah’s partners in attack will include Mahmoud Hassan — better known by his nickname Trezeguet — and Mahmoud Abdel-Monaim — also known as Kahrabah. Trezeguet plays for Turkish club Kasimpasa, while Kahrabah plays in Saudi Arabia.

Another attacking option is 21-year-old midfielder Ramadan Sobhi, who has struggled all season for playing time at Premier League relegation candidate Stoke City.

Group games

Egypt, which failed to advance past the opening round in its previous World Cup appearances in 1934 and 1990, will open against Uruguay on June 15.

The team based in Chechen capital Grozny will then take on the host on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 25.