CHICAGO: A wave of pride has spread through the Egyptian American community as a consequence of Egypt’s FIFA World Cup team making sports history by reaching the round of 16 for the first time, setting up a showdown with Argentina.
Known as The Pharaohs, the Egyptian national team under coach Hossam Hassan and team captain Mo Salah endured 120 minutes before defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw on July 3.
The close-call victory has energized Egypt’s large expatriate population in the US. They have shown their pride at World Cup watch parties throughout the country, including in the Chicago suburbs of Bolingbrook, where Egyptian American elected Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta led the cheering alongside more than 50 guests.
“Egypt’s World Cup achievement in entering the round 16 is very exciting. They had a very close call during the game. They barely got it in overtime. But they won. This is their fourth game and now they are moving on to face off against Argentina,” Alexander-Basta told Arab News in an interview.
“It’s a proud moment for all Egyptians. We’ve made history already. Getting this far is historic for the Egyptian team.”
Before the knockout fixture, Egypt qualified from group G through a draw with Belgium, a win over New Zealand and a draw with Iran.
“It was a tough game because we had to go down to penalty kicks. So, it was exciting. The room was full of energy. Everyone was cheering,” Alexander-Basta said, adding that Tuesday’s game is too early in the day to coordinate another watch party.
“But we are excited to see them go all the way and we will plan another watch party if they progress. The excitement is thrilling for everyone who is Egyptian.”
The audience was diverse, with many guests attending from out-of-state, but with a large Egyptian American presence and pride, she added.
“We had Egyptian Americans. We had American Americans. We had Italian Americans … we had Jordanians. One Egyptian lives in Bolingbrook. She’s actually married to a Jordanian. We had Egyptians that came in from another state that were visiting, and they joined us,” Alexander-Basta said, adding that enthusiasm for the World Cup is being felt across the country.
“Egyptians are very passionate about soccer, very passionate about their national team. Go Pharaohs!”
Attendees and locals, however, are equally supportive of the American team, Alexander-Basta said.
“The US is performing phenomenally as well and we are excited for them, too, and also cheering them on,” she told Arab News.
“It would be great if Egypt and the US competed in the final of the World Cup. We would be cheering for them both. As Egyptian Americans, we would be proud to see either of them win. We would be winners regardless of who might win that dream match.”
Egypt will face off against Argentina on July 7 in Atlanta. The winner of that match will face Switzerland or Colombia in Kansas City on July 11. The FIFA World Cup final will held on July 19.
