Egypt is the most successful team in African football history. They have won the Africa Cup of Nations 7 times, with their last victory coming in 2010. In the latest edition of the tournament, Egypt finished runners-up and Mohamed Salah was the joint second highest goal scorer in the tournament.
World Cup Struggles
source: daily post.ng
However, despite their success in the Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt has struggled when it comes to the World Cup and they have only qualified twice in their history. The first time they qualified was back in 1934 when they went out in the first round having played just one game.
The second time they qualified was in 1990 and once again, Egypt went out in the first round, failing to win a match.
A quick glance at the Egypt squad for the 1990 World Cup in Italy shows a group of players mainly playing their football in Egypt. In fact, only two players played outside the country and neither was known to fans of European football.
European Experience
source: www.goal.com
Fast forward to the 2018 World Cup and only 11 of the 29 players named by Hector Cuper in his provisional squad for the tournament play in Egypt. The other 18 players are all based outside the country with some well known to fans of the English Premier League.
Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal and Ahmed Hegazi of West Bromwich Albion are two players regular watchers of the Premier League will know but there is one man who has become a world star this season and his name is Mohamed Salah.
Salah the Star
source: www.ibtimes.co.uk
Never in the history of Egyptian football has the country had one player who is considered to be among the best on the planet. Not only that but Salah will have the chance to show what he can do in the colours of Egypt at the 2018 World Cup.
Great players including Ryan Giggs, Alfredo Di Stefano and George Best are three examples of truly world class players who never had the chance to represent their country at the World Cup. Having scored crucial goals in qualifying, Salah will not fall into the group of great players never to grace the World Cup and the Liverpool forward will be looking forward to representing his country in Russia.
No African team has ever reached the semi-final of the World Cup, with Ghana coming the closest in 2010, losing a controversial quarter-final on penalties to Uruguay.
The Pharaohs have arguably the easiest group draw of all the African nations and if Salah is in top form, Egypt could progress to the knockout stages and from there, who knows what might happen?
source featured image:bleacherreport.co