JOHANNESBURG: Egypt coach Hassan Shehata believes his shell-shocked squad dare not fear Brazil ahead of their June 15 FIFA Confederations Cup showdown in South Africa.
The African champions lost a 2010 World Cup qualifier 3-1 in Algeria last Sunday, raising doubts about their ability to match holders Brazil, World Cup champions Italy and world top-20 team the United States in Group B.
“Egypt cannot afford to fear Brazil in our opener because if we enter the first match with such a feeling, we will remain with the same fear against the other teams, Shehata told Egyptian media.
“We are aware Brazil and Italy are considered favorites in the group while Egypt and the United States are looked upon as outsiders, said the former national team defender.
“But we are also a big team now and should not be afraid of our opponents.
We have managed to win the Nations Cup six times, including the last two in a row.
“We will not be in South Africa for fun. It is our duty to defend the reputation of Egypt and prove we deserve a place alongside the giants, and challenge them as well.
Shehata, who succeeded Italian Marco Tardelli five years ago and won the last two editions of the biennial Nations Cup, says Egypt are used to facing top-class opposition.
“In the past year we played friendlies against teams like Argentina, Spain and Portugal and draw confidence from representing Africa and being the champions of Africa.
Egypt are appearing in the ‘festival of champions’ for the second time having drawn with Bolivia and hosts Mexico 10 years ago before crashing 5-1 against Saudi Arabia.
The Confederations Cup was officially launched 10 years ago and a format change sees it used as a dress rehearsal for the FIFA World Cup, which South Africa stages next June and July. -AFP
