SoccerA memorable night for African football

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Egypt might not qualify for next year's World Cup but may have proved, in the space of 90 minutes Thursday with a 1-0 win over Italy, is that the global heavyweights take African qualifiers lightly at their peril in 12 months time.

What the Egyptians achieved is a result and performance, which should be celebrated across the entire continent and proves, beyond doubt, there is a way to perturb the old world order. I don't think an African team will win the World Cup in 2010 but I do think they can have a significant influence on the way the tournament pans out.

Egypt refused to be overawed by the World Cup holders and, after an uncertain start, visibly grew in confidence against a somewhat predictable Italian display. The only goal was as much to do with sloppy Italian defending, as it was to do with Egyptian flair but was just about deserved on the balance of play.

Half-time came and went, as did wonderkid Guiseppe Rossi - then it was time for Italy to show why they are world champions. Problem was they were facing the African champs who played with tremendous spirit and composure to defend their slender advantage. When the Italians did finally pierce the Pharaohs' back line, they came up against an inspired goalkeeper in El Hadary who played the game of his life to keep the Azzurri at bay.

The Egyptian captain, who demonstrated similar heroics in the African Cup of Nations, was as good as Andrea Pirlo, by his own standards, was poor. The Italian midfielder had four opportunities from free kicks just outside the penalty area, but failed to find the target on any occasion.

Few saw this result coming, perhaps least of all Egypt, but the victory hands them a decent chance of reaching the semifinals. A win over the Americans may be enough while Italy will have to improve dramatically to beat Brazil. In the final analysis, Egypt stood firm against the world champions who simply couldn't find an extra gear when they needed it.

Earlier, we witnessed the yawning gulf in class between North and South America. Brazil strolled to an emphatic 3-0 win over the United States to underline their sublime skill and expose the Americans as a hard working team short on finesse and tactical awareness.

For the second game running the U.S. were harshly reduced to 10-men but it, in all honesty, it wouldn't have mattered had they had 12 on the field - there's no substitute for quality. Brazil were always in the driver's seat and by the time Robinho struck their second goal with 70 minutes remaining the writing was already clearly on the wall.

The Americans were unfortunate not to score in the closing minutes - twice hitting the woodwork –- but any goal would have been mere consolation.

The U.S. will qualify for the World Cup because they're a strong team in a weak Confederation (CONCACAF) but their performances in South Africa have only served to remind us they're not yet close to competing with the big boys.

Egypt, in stark contrast, are struggling to book a return trip to Johannesburg but demonstrated excellent technical ability and, perhaps more importantly, a belief they deserved to dine at the same table as football's nobility.

Great stuff for the neutral and a timely reminder why we love this game. The outcome will appal the Italian tifosi but if you don't make the emotional investment, you're watching the wrong sport.

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