Embarrassing Egypt dominated by Argentina

ENSCHEDE, Netherlands (GoPharaohs.com) – Egypt were put out of its misery at the FIFA World Youth Championship following a second successive 2-0 defeat.

Argentina thoroughly dominated what is turning out to be the worst Egyptian team ever to take part in this competition. The Argentines were physically, mentally, and tactically superior, and it reflected in the statistics. Argentina had clear advantages in possession, shots, and shots on target.

Argentina enjoyed a 66%-34% edge in possession through the first ten minutes. This was capped off by an enterprising run from Lionel Messi, who just nicked the cross-bar after shaking four Egyptian defenders.

Egypt’s only chance came near the end of the first half, with Abdallah Saeed ruing his miss in front of goal with just the keeper to beat. Chikibala was a one-man show for the Junior Pharaohs, single-handedly creating whatever possession Egypt had near the Argentine goal.

It was only a matter of time before the South Americans and four-time champions of this competition would take the lead. A low cross from the right bounced passed two confused Egyptian defenders to Messi, who hit the ball into the empty net with three minutes gone in the second half.

Egypt wouldn’t threaten the Argentina goal the entire second half. At times Egypt appeared happy to only be down a goal.

Zabaleta erased any doubts for his country however, knocking home Argentina’s second two minutes into added time.

The loss leaves Egypt bottom of Group D with zero points. They have yet to score a goal and have conceded two each in their first two matches.

The United States takes on Germany in the other Group D match on Tuesday, with the winner assured of a place in the second round.

Egypt face the USA in its final match on Saturday, with any hopes of a second round berth all but gone.