CHICAGO: A wave of pride has spread through the Egyptian American community as a consequence of Egypt’s FIFA World Cup team making sports history by reaching the round of 16 for the first time, setting up a showdown with Argentina.
Known as The Pharaohs, the Egyptian national team under coach Hossam Hassan and team captain Mo Salah endured 120 minutes before defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw on July 3.
The close-call victory has energized Egypt’s large expatriate population in the US. They have shown their pride at World Cup watch parties throughout the country, including in the Chicago suburbs of Bolingbrook, where Egyptian American elected Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta led the cheering alongside more than 50 guests.
“Egypt’s World Cup achievement in entering the round 16 is very exciting. They had a very close call during the game. They barely got it in overtime. But they won. This is their fourth game and now they are moving on to face off against Argentina,” Alexander-Basta told Arab News in an interview.
“It’s a proud moment for all Egyptians. We’ve made history already. Getting this far is historic for the Egyptian team.”
