It was a tense game, which many people entered with unnecessary pessimism. There was never doubt that Egypt could win. There was never doubt that our players play with passion. And there is no doubt that we deserved it.

"It was a truly Pharaoh-cious performance"

Zuper Zizou:

Finally, Zidan showed what he can do for Egypt! Both goals were of the very top level. Few players in Egypt, maybe the world, could have netted the goals as he did. The first was an example of a player running with pressure behind him, yet still able to get faster with the ball at his feet. He also slowed down one step to keep onside, something well worth mentioning as it shows his natural striker's mind.

Zidan got faster while on the ball despite pressure from behind...

Zidan's second goal involved just three - all be them exquisite - touches, each better than the other. He looked around him, to see what space he had. The first touch, on the chest, was a good piece of control for a player surrounded by taller men. The second touch, perhaps the finest of the three, laid the ball down and in a shooting position. The third needs no comment.

Zizou's second touch was best, as within split seconds of controlling (left) he had to recreate space for himself (right)

Hosni Abd-Rabo:

Hosni Abd-Rabo was, on the whole, the best player in the game. His physical presence was much needed, particularly in the absence of Ahmed Hassan, who has a fine ability to hold onto the ball. Abd-Rabo held onto the ball, made intelligent passes and best of all, covered for pretty much every outfield Egyptian on the pitch! He made his way forward and his decision-making was text-book, passing when need-be and striking at the end after taking a good long look around him. His calmness under pressure showed too when asked to retake the penalty.

"Zidan's second goal involved three exquisite touches, each better than the other"

Mohamed Shawky's first half performance was also wonderful, with simple passes and more important physical presence. He faded a little in the second half though.

Thumbs Up Shehata:

Egypt's tactics were unbelievably suitable to the opposition from the word go, and the first half performance was one of Egypt's finest in recent times. We gave Cameroon little time on the ball, and a usually rare sight was a common one as the three attackers (Zidan, Emad Motaeb and Amr Zaki) not only pressurised the defence when facing goal, but chased back into the defensive third!

Moreover, the simple passes were essential. We were able to play a fast game, while not killing the game off in a partly Egyptian League style. Shawky, Ahmed Fathi, Sayed Moawad and Zidan all played brilliant simple passes and ensured they do not lose the ball carelessly. This frustrated the opposition.

The two wing-backs played a nice game, more as side-backs, and didn't commit themselves in the attacking half unless safe. Whenever they lacked pace, Shawky, and especially Hosni, were there to cover in superb style.

"The first half performance was one of Egypt's finest in recent times"

The long distance shooting shook Espanyol goalie Kameni, another good instruction. Shawky's early shot showed we were out there to win, and by the second goal, their keeper was not looking himself.