Criminal defensive mistakes, poor marking, impotent attack and many other reasons accounted for the Pharaohs 1-3 defeat against Algeria in WC 2010 qualifiers. Despite the solid display from the Pharaohs in the first half, the team collapsed completely in the 2nd half to concede three successive goals. Abotereka clawed one back but it was already late.

Goodbye South Africa 2010

The miserable form of the Egyptian national team in World Cup qualifiers continued. It seems that the Pharaohs can only shine in the African Nations where they can show determination and desire to win over a short period of time. However, reaching World Cup requires more consistency and ability to perform well throughout the entire season.

Today's game wasn't an exception as the Pharaohs failed to test the Algerian keeper untill they conceded three goals. While the first half was considerably good, the Egyptian side failed to hit the target. Zaki looked like a shadow of himself, he won zero headers, couldn't beat his man, and failed to make any attempt on goal untill he was taken off the field. Zidan, on the other hand, showed some neat touches in the first half, but he disappeared totally in the 2nd half. Abotreka showed glimpses of class in the first half and almost hit the target. He also scored the only goal of the game but he wasn't at his best as well.

The two defensive midfielders Hosny Abd Rabo and Shawky did well defensively in the first half, however, their contribution in attacks was extremely lacking. Both players failed miserably to test the Algerian keeper from distance as none of their long range efforts was even close.

In the back, Hany Said wasn't at his best as well, Gomma and Oka weren't much better either Their marking and positioning in dead ball situations cost the Pharaohs the game.