Underdogs Egypt rattle Brazillians

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa

Underdogs Egypt shook five-times world champions Brazil at the Confederations Cup on Monday but finally succumbed 4-3 when Kaka converted a penalty in time added on for stoppages.

African champions Egypt had fought back from two goals down to level at 3-3, scoring twice in a minute early in the second half, and pressed forward in search of a winner which would have shaken world football.

The Brazilian defence were clearly rattled but in the end their dignity was saved by the late penalty.

Egyptian substitute Ahmed Al Muhamadi stopped a shot from Alexandre Pato with his arm on the goal line and Kaka, who had scored Brazil’s opening goal, netted from the penalty spot to secure victory.

Deft touches

The Egyptian defender was sent off by English referee Howard Webb. In the opening match in group B of the eight-nation tournament for continental champions, Brazil struck early, Kaka scoring in the fifth minute as he steered a difficult bouncing ball through the defence with three deft touches before stroking home past keeper Essam El Hadary.

But the African champions gave quick notice of their determination to play on even terms with Brazil, drawing level just four minutes later when Mohamed Aboutrika broke free on the right and crossed for Mohamed Zidan to head home.

Brazil struck twice from set pieces before halftime, Luis Fabiano glancing home a great header from an Elano cross in the 12th and defender Juan heading in an Elano corner in the 37th.

Quick passing game

Despite the scoreline, Egypt’s quick-passing game had troubled the languid Brazilians throughout the first half and they reaped the benefits soon after the break.

Mohamed Shawky hit back in the 54th minute when he struck a powerful shot into the bottom corner from just outside the box after clever approach play down the left.

Within a minute the scores were level as Brazil’s defence cracked under pressure. The excellent Aboutrika threaded the ball through for Zidan to notch his second of the game.

The Brazilians weathered the storm and finally gained a victory they scarcely deserved.

Match summary

Result. Brazil 4 Egypt 3. Scorers: Brazil: Kaka 5, 90+1 pen, Luis Fabiano 12, Juan 37 Egypt: Zidan 9, 55; Mohamed Shawky 54 Red card: Ahmed Al Muhamadi, Egypt 90 Halftime: 3-1. Teams Brazil: 1-Julio Cesar; 13-Daniel Alves, 3-Lucio (captain), 4-Juan, 6-Kleber (16-Andre Santos 83); 7-Elano Blumer (18-Ramires 63), 8-Gilberto Silva, 10-Kaka, 5-Felipe Melo; 9-Luis Fabiano, 11-Robinho (21-Alex Pato 63) Egypt: 1-Essam El Hadari; 6-Hani Said, 4-Ahmed Said, 20-Wael Gomaa, 7-Ahmed Fathi, 14-Sayed Moawad; 11-Mohamed Shawky, 8-Hosni Abd Rabou (3-Ahmed Al Muhammadi 75), 17-Ahmed Hassan (captain) (10-Ahmed Eid 52), 22-Mohamed Aboutrika, 9-Mohamed Zidan. Referee: Howard Webb (England)