Quick Report: Egypt 1-0 Italy

A single goal in the first half allowed Egypt to achieve a huge upset against Italy, beating the world champions 1-0 in their second group game.

Against Brazil, a last-gasp penalty cost Egypt a draw they probably did deserve, but things worked out better against the Italians.

After 40 minutes at a packed stadium in Johannesburg, it was Mohamed Homos to head home from a right-winged corner kick.

Following that goal, Italy did push for the equaliser but a solid Egyptian defense kept the Azzurri away from the goal on most occasions. The chances Italy did create were all masterfully stopped by keeper El Hadary.

Late on, what seemed to be a cross from Iaquinta ended up hitting Egypt’s crossbar.

The result means that an Egyptian win over the United States in their last group match, would mean that the African champions advance to the semi finals if Italy don’t beat Brazil. If Lippi’s men do beat the Brazilians and Egypt win as well, goal records are to decide which two teams qualify.

There was also bad news for the Egyptians, as star player Mohamed Zidan suffered an injury and needed to come off in the first half.