Most debates about the recent World Cup football match between Argentina and Egypt in the round of 16 have focused on the game itself, amid allegations that Fifa favoured Argentina in refereeing decisions.
But across the Arab world, the public reactions have reflected local politics. If social media represents a plausible barometer - albeit an unscientific one - of Arab public opinion, it would point to overwhelming support for the Egyptian team, even among those who oppose the regime’s poor human rights record.
Like football fans around the world, many Arab fans are divided into camps between those who support Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina’s team, and Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal’s team.
These camps have become almost cult-like. They stand by Messi or Ronaldo, regardless of tournament or team.
But the Egypt-Argentina match marked a rare occasion when such individual loyalties were cast aside, and Arab fans stood together.
