FIFA U-20 World Cup 2009 in Egypt

[egypt69]

The 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the 17th tournament to be contested, will be hosted by Egypt from September 25 to October 16, in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said and Ismaïlia. The tournament was initially going to take place between 10-31st July, however the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup was played mid year resulting in both the Under 20 World Cup and the Under 17 World Cup to be played towards the end of the year. The current champion is Argentina who surprisingly failed to qualify for the tournament.

Stadium Venueas and Capacity

Cairo

Cairo International Stadium 74100
Al Salam Stadium 35000

Alexandria

Borg El Arab Stadium 80,000
Alexandria Stadium 20,000

Suez

Mubarak Stadium 25,000

Port Said

Port Said Stadium 22,000

Ismaïlia

Ismailia Stadium 16,500

Groups

Group A

Egypt
Trinidad and Tobago
Paraguay
Italy

Group B

Nigeria
Venezuela
Spain
Tahiti

Group C

United States
Germany
Cameroon
Korea Republic

Group D

Ghana
Uzbekistan
England
Uruguay

Group E

Brazil
Costa Rica
Czech Republic
Australia

Group F

United Arab Emirates
South Africa
Honduras
Hungary

[midotoria]

Cairo International Stadium




Al Salam Stadium


Borg El Arab Stadium




Alexandria Stadium


Mubarak Stadium



Port Said Stadium



Ismailia Stadium

[Reggae Boyz Ja]

Wednesday 8 July 2009

With the stated aim of testing the maximum number of players before naming his squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup on home soil this September, Egypt U-20 coach Miroslav Soukup requested as many friendly games as possible against national and club sides.

At the CAF African Youth Championship held in Rwanda early this year, the Pharaohs enjoyed wins over Côte d'Ivoire and South Africa after losing their opening game to Nigeria. Their coach Soukup, who led his native Czech Republic to the runners-up spot last time out at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007, put his trust in new names like Shihab Ahmad and Moustafa Salim of Al Ahlym, and defender Saad Eddin Samir, who plies his trade with Libyan club Nasr.

As part of the preparations for September's showpiece event, Soukup's charges have played friendlies against Korea Republic, Czech Republic, Spain and Australia. Their heaviest defeat was a 4-1 reverse at the hands of the Koreans, while their 2-0 win over Spain was their best victory. The team also participated in a friendly tournament in the Netherlands, squaring off against Brazilian side Gremio, Eindhoven and Ajax of the Netherlands, and Valencia from Spain. In addition, they competed in 2009 edition of the annual Toulon Tournament in France, losing to Argentina and UAE 3-2 and 1-0 respectively, and drawing with the Netherlands 1-1.


Everybody is focused on achieving our goals and emulating the feats of the senior national side.
Miroslav Soukup


Egypt's preparations also involved a training camp in Germany, where they played many friendlies, most notably against Werder Bremen. The Pharaohs' final fixtures ahead of Egypt 2009 were two games against a visiting USA side last month, the Stars and Stripes claiming victory in their first match Alexandria then drawing 1-1 in Cairo in the second.

Afterwards Soukup expressed his satisfaction with the speed at which his squad were developing but insisted that there was still a long way to go. "We've had many games against teams with varying playing styles," said Soukup, adding, "We're still trying to find solutions for some of the problems we face, but I hope we'll be in top form before the start of the World Cup."

The coach insisted his biggest problem was the dearth of playing time for his squad members with their respective clubs in the Egyptian Premier League. "Unfortunately, the vast majority of the squad are not playing on a regular basis with their clubs. So consequently we've insisted on having as many games as possible to enable the lads to play together as much as they can, thus creating a friendly environment that's perfect for showcasing their talents. Everybody is focused on achieving our goals and emulating the feats of the senior national side."

At the big event in September, Egypt will play in Group A alongside Italy, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago, with the hosts contesting the tournament's opening game against the Caribbean islanders at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria on 24 September.


Thank u Very Much for opening the thread

This is a big tournament and I was surprised by there not being a thread yet. 2 fifa tournament in Africa in one year

[egypt69]

Stadiums

Cairo International Stadium

Cairo International Stadium (Arabic: ستاد القاهرة الدولي‎) or "Stad El-Qahira El-Dawly", is an Olympic-standard, multi-use stadium with an all-seated capacity of 74,100. It is the Arab World and Africa's largest and foremost Olympic-standard facility befitting the role of Cairo, Egypt as the center of events in the region. Located in Nasr City; a suburb north east of Cairo, it was completed in 1960, and was inaugurated by President Gamal Abdel Nasser on 23rd July that year, the eighth anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution of 1952.

In 2005 in preparation for the 2006 African Cup of Nations it underwent a major renovation, and was brought up to 21st century world standard along with all its multi-game Olympic facilities.

The Stadium is located about 10 km west of Cairo International Airport and about 30 km (30 min) from downtown Cairo.

Cairo Stadium is known for its tremendous atmosphere and its very large capacity. This was never more evident than during the 2006 African cup of Nations, which were held in Egypt. When Egypt had their matches in Cairo Stadium, the stadium seemed to nearly erupt. Before seats were added to all sections in 2005, the stadium was notorious for holding more people than it was intended to. It is rumored to have hosted over 120,000 for a match between El-Zamalek (football team) football club and El Ahly football club. Without seats, fans were able to squeeze together and sit in aisles. This number was actually achieved and realized a few years back in 1986 African Cup of Nations Final match which was held in Egypt and Egypt won against Cameroon.

Cairo Stadium is a strong symbol of Egyptian football. Nearly all of the most important Egyptian matches are held there. It carries an extremely rich history which includes many memorable football moments that range from Hossam Hassan's famous header to secure Egypt's attendance in Italia 90 World Cup, numerous African Cup of Nations tournaments which included the latest 2006 trophy, and the famous derby matches between Ahly and Zamalek.

It has also served as the main stadium of the 1991 All-Africa Games.

Cairo Military Academy Stadium

The Cairo Military Academy Stadium (Arabic: إستاد الكلية الحربية بالقاهرة‎ Istād al-Kullīyah al-Ḥarbīyah bil-Qāhira) is located in Cairo, Egypt and has a total capacity of 28,500. It was one of six stadiums to be used in the 2006 African Cup of Nations, held in Egypt. In 2009 the stadium will be rebuilt and will hold 65 000 spectators.

Seven miles up the road from Cairo International Stadium, heading for Cairo International Airport, there is the Cairo Military Academy Stadium at the far end of Orouba Street in the north-eastern Heliopolis district of Cairo.

Locally known as Estad El Koleya El Harbeya, it was built in 1989 for the use of military teams and students at the military academy. The ground accommodated home games of Al Ahly and Zamalek during the refurbishing of the Cairo International Stadium and occasionally still serves to stage matches of the old foes.

The stadium has a small roof extension serving as a cover for the main stand. On demand, during matches rent-a-crowd military cadets serve as ground-fillers in addition to the sparse paying spectators for football matches.

Borg El Arab Stadium - Alexandria

Borg El Arab Stadium is a brand new stadium commissioned in 2006 in the Mediterranean Sea resort of Borg el Arab; 50 km west of Alexandria, Egypt. It is the second largest stadium in Egypt, Africa and The Middle Eastcomes after Cairo Stadium with a capacity of 80,000 and is an all-seater. It is located on the Cairo-Alexandria desert highway 10 km from Borg El Arab Airport and 15 km from Alexandria's city centre. A running track runs around the pitch, and the ground has four large floodlights. Only one stand is covered by a roof.

The Stadium was originally commissioned as part of an ambitious 5 international-standard stadiums project for Egypt's bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is expected to be one of the venues for the Egyptian National Football Team along with the Cairo International Stadium, and the Mubarak Stadium at the city of Giza; 25 km south of Cairo. There is much speculation on whether any of the local (northern Egypt) football clubs will play their home matches in the stadium as they already fail to reach the 20,000+ mark in any of their current games. It is thought that the final matches of the Egyptian Cup might be held there every year.

The Stadium is unique in that it was designed and built completely by the Egyptian Armed Forces Corps of Engineers. It is thought that the EAFCE might be willing to participate in the construction of future stadiums.

Alexandria Stadium

Alexandria Stadium (Arabic: إستاد الإسكندرية‎) is a multi-purpose stadium in Alexandria, Egypt. It is currently used mostly for football matches, and was used for the 2006 African Cup of Nations. The stadium is the oldest stadium in Egypt and Africa, being built in 1929. The stadium holds 20,000 people.

Mubarak Stadium - Suez

The Mubarak Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Suez, Egypt. It is used mostly for football and serves as the home stadium of Suez Cement. The stadium has a capacity of 25,000 people.

Port Said Stadium

The Port Said Stadium (Arabic: ستاد بورسعيد‎) is located in Port Said, Egypt and has a total capacity of 22,000. It is used by Al-Masry, and was one of six stadiums to be used in the 2006 African Cup of Nations, held in Egypt.

In 2009, the stadium will be used in the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, It will host Group E.

Ismailia Stadium

The Ismailia Stadium (Arabic: ملعب الاسماعيلية‎) is located in Ismailia, Egypt and has a total capacity of 16,500. It is used by Ismaily SC, and was one of six stadiums to be used in the 2006 African Cup of Nations, held in Egypt.

[Reggae Boyz Ja]

All the stadiums are good enough to host a under 20 fifa cup game..But they would need to be upgraded if they want to host the WC.. Well except Cario internation and Borg El Arab stadiums .

[DennisRodman97]

Nigeria should capture this cup..!

[Reggae Boyz Ja]

Originally Posted by DennisRodman97

Nigeria should capture this cup..!

Hell no I am pretty sure it will be England & Germany finals

And T&T and Nigeria Third place game.

[Rekarte]

Not bad!

[Cartel]

Hmm Egyptian stadia seem to follow a similar pattern eh, some great stadiums though, great atmosphere at Cairo intl.

[Phevos]

Originally Posted by Cartel

Hmm Egyptian stadia seem to follow a similar pattern eh, some great stadiums though, great atmosphere at Cairo intl.

I was in the stadium on March 29th for the qualifier against Zambia (1-1)



"La Ola" in the grades before the game



Celebrating our goal

[egypt69]

About the match, don't worry man, that was just a phase of our team which we'll hopefully never see again, we beat Rwanda 3 - 0, and now we're second in the group, if we play the same way as we did against brazil and Italy, then we definitely in the WC.

As for those videos, theyre interesting, I know that people in Egyptian stadiums swear like crazy lol

[Qatar Son 333]

Yes ! Aywah ya masr ! yallah we want to see you grab this cup easily Insha2Allah.

[Prince_7]

Nigeria Has the U-17 Cup.

[Reggae Boyz Ja]

How do you take them for this cup?

[Flight-FGB]

The group stage draw, which was made on Sunday evening at the historic Temple of Luxor in southern Egypt, also sees Italy facing Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago in Group A.

The Azzurrini qualified for the tournament, that takes place from 24 September to 16 October, after reaching the final of the UEFA European Under-19 Championships in the Czech Republic last year.

Italy's first game in Egypt will be on Friday 25 September when Paraguay are the opposition in the Cairo International Stadium, where they will play all three of their group games.

[DennisRodman97]

[edit] Group A
Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
Egypt 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Trinidad and Tobago 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Paraguay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Italy 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0




24 September 2009
20:00 UTC+2
Egypt – Trinidad and Tobago Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25 September 2009
16:00 UTC+2
Paraguay – Italy Cairo International Stadium, Cairo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 September 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Italy – Trinidad and Tobago Cairo International Stadium, Cairo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 September 2009
21:30 UTC+2
Egypt – Paraguay Cairo International Stadium, Cairo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 October 2009
21:30 UTC+2
Trinidad and Tobago – Paraguay Al Salam Stadium, Cairo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 October 2009
21:30 UTC+2
Italy – Egypt Cairo International Stadium, Cairo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[edit] Group B
Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
Nigeria 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Venezuela 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Spain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tahiti 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
25 September 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Nigeria – Venezuela Al Salam Stadium, Cairo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25 September 2009
21:30 UTC+2
Spain – Tahiti Al Salam Stadium, Cairo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 September 2009
16:00 UTC+2
Nigeria – Spain Al Salam Stadium, Cairo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 September 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Tahiti – Venezuela Al Salam Stadium, Cairo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 October 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Venezuela – Spain Al Salam Stadium, Cairo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 October 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Tahiti – Nigeria Cairo International Stadium, Cairo



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[edit] Group C
Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
United States 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Germany 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Cameroon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Korea Republic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
26 September 2009
16:00 UTC+2
United States – Germany Mubarak Stadium, Suez



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26 September 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Cameroon – Korea Republic Mubarak Stadium, Suez



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29 September 2009
16:00 UTC+2
Korea Republic – Germany Mubarak Stadium, Suez



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29 September 2009
18:45 UTC+2
United States – Cameroon Mubarak Stadium, Suez



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 October 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Germany – Cameroon Ismailia Stadium, Ismailia



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 October 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Korea Republic – United States Mubarak Stadium, Suez



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[edit] Group D
Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
Ghana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Uzbekistan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
England 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Uruguay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
26 September 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Ghana – Uzbekistan Ismailia Stadium, Ismailia



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26 September 2009
21:30 UTC+2
England – Uruguay Ismailia Stadium, Ismailia



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29 September 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Uzbekistan – Uruguay Ismailia Stadium, Ismailia



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29 September 2009
21:30 UTC+2
Ghana – England Ismailia Stadium, Ismailia



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 October 2009
21:30 UTC+2
Uruguay – Ghana Ismailia Stadium, Ismailia



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 October 2009
21:30 UTC+2
Uzbekistan – England Mubarak Stadium, Suez



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[edit] Group E
Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
Brazil 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Costa Rica 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Czech Republic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Australia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
27 September 2009
16:00 UTC+2
Brazil – Costa Rica Port Said Stadium, Port Said



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27 September 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Czech Republic – Australia Port Said Stadium, Port Said



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 September 2009
16:00 UTC+2
Australia – Costa Rica Port Said Stadium, Port Said



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 September 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Brazil – Czech Republic Port Said Stadium, Port Said



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 October 2009
21:30 UTC+2
Costa Rica – Czech Republic Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 October 2009
21:30 UTC+2
Australia – Brazil Port Said Stadium, Port Said



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[edit] Group F
Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
United Arab Emirates 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
South Africa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Honduras 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hungary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
27 September 2009
18:45 UTC+2
United Arab Emirates – South Africa Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27 September 2009
21:30 UTC+2
Honduras – Hungary Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 September 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Hungary – South Africa Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 September 2009
21:30 UTC+2
United Arab Emirates – Honduras Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 October 2009
18:45 UTC+2
Hungary – United Arab Emirates Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 October 2009
18:45 UTC+2
South Africa – Honduras Port Said Stadium, Port Said

[egypt69]

Thanks Dennis for the info, can you update that after every match?

[egypt69]

Egypt Under-20 Side Ready For Home Youth Championships

Sep 19, 2009 12:15:44 PM

Egypt has left no stone unturned in their quest to do themselves proud at the Under-20 World Cup that kicks off next Thursday...

The Young Pharaohs have played a number of friendlies and installed Miroslav Soukup, who masterminded Czech Republic’s improbable runners-up finish at Canada 2007, in their hot-seat, making him the first foreigner who has coached them at youth level.

Hany Ramzi, a formidable sweeper who won 124 caps for Egypt, has been appointed as the Czech’s right-hand man and the two coaches have had their players together for over six months, affording them the chance to gel.

The Egyptians travelled to Rwanda for the CAF African Youth Championship at the start of the year and although they impressed in respective 2-1 wins over Ivory Coast and South Africa, a defeat by Nigeria in their opener ultimately cost them a place in the next round. Nevertheless, Ramzi believes they have come on leaps and bounds since then.

“Of course, we didn't show the necessary level in Rwanda and we weren’t happy with our performance, but we have improved greatly since then,” he told Fifa.com.

“The players have got more confidence and experience and I believe that, as a team, we are a lot better than we were at the start of the year.”

Soukup’s men are now fully focused on their opening game against Trinidad and Tobago. They may take inspiration from their predecessors of18 years ago, who ran out 6-0 winners against the Caribbean side at the World Youth Championship in Portugal 1991.

Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1657/egy...-championships

Young Socceroos Begin U-20 World Cup Preparations With Win Over Trinidad And Tobago

Sep 18, 2009 3:32:47 AM

It's a good start for Jan Versleijen's men in Cyprus...

Related LinksThe Young Socceroos kicked off their preparations for the U-20 World Cup in Egypt with a hard-fought 2-1 win over a physical Trinidad and Tobago in Cyprus last night.

Aaron Mooy was involved in both goals at the Agia Napa Municipality Stadium, scoring the second himself after whipping in a corner for the first, which found that back of the net via a Trinidad and Tobago player.

They took just six minutes to get off the mark, although they were aided when Tobagan defender Jamal Gay sliced his clearance from Mooy’s corner, which goal keeper Glenroy Samuel subsequently failed to deal with and the ball ended up in his net.

The second came in first half stoppage time when winger Thomas Oar won a free kick on the edge of the area. Aware that Samuel was anticipating a cross and standing off his line ever so slightly, Mooy curled a clever free kick just inside the near post to make it 2-0.

Mooy was a persistent danger from set pieces while James Holland hit the post and Jason Hoffman had a goal ruled offside late in the game.

Coach Jan Versleijen took the unusual step of making just one substitution, taking precaution with right back Daniel Mullen who came off with hamstring tightness.

On the other hand, Trinidad and Tobago made nine second half changes and the fresh legs put the Australians under pressure in every sense, racking up five bookings by the end of the match.

Substitute Juma Clarence made the most of a clever cross and left keeper Andrew Redmayne with no chance in the 82nd minute to score a consolation.

But the Young Socceroos dug deep to hold out and Versleijen believes his strategy of giving as many players as possible a full match will help them acclimatise to the stifling conditions expected in Egypt.

“Normally I would make changes also but because we’re playing three games I’ve decided to give each player a full 90 minutes, unless there is an injury of course,’’ Versleijen said.

“It’s a kind of overload, instead of training you play 90 minutes and the boys are very tired but that’s not a problem, it’s part of the preparation and we have enough time to reach the desired physical level.’’

Versleijen was pleased to start the tour with a win, although he knows plenty of improvement is required before the Qantas Young Socceroos kick off their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign against Czech Republic on 27 September.

“Their keeper made a few mistakes, but it’s always good to win, doesn’t matter how,’’ he said.

“At this stage of the camp I’m not happy with where they’re at physically, but I knew when they were coming that some would struggle because they weren’t getting many playing minutes with their clubs.

“But we have time to bring those players up to the required level, both physically and tactically.

“The biggest positive was that everybody pretty much got through the 90 minutes and we got a chance to see what things we need to improve on.

“The first half in patches we did well but we didn’t take advantage of our extra player in the midfield and sometimes we panicked in the attacking third and rushed things.

“In the second half we dropped too deep and if you do that you’re asking for trouble. Also, we need to strike a better balance at times like when we want to keep the ball or make a fast counter attack.

“Some of our players had some problems physically because some still have jetlag and that woke us up a little.

“I was also a bit disappointed we didn’t match Trinidad and Tobago when they applied physical pressure on us.

"But we can learn from all of these things.’’

The Young Socceroos are likely to field almost an entirely different line up when they tackle England on 19 September, after Versleijen revealed that he wants to give every player at least 90 minutes to prove themselves prior to the tournament.

Their third and final friendly is against the USA a day later, before the squad departs for Egypt.

“At this stage it’s not important who we play, it’s how we perform,’’ Versleijen said.

“But the USA are more experienced and better organised, it will be a more difficult game and I expect the England game to be an even higher level, so they’ll both be more challenging’’

http://www.goal.com/en/news/808/aust...tions-with-win

[Cartel]

aw shit I'll miss the tourn by about a month

[egypt69]

U-20 World Cup kicks off today

Note: When they say Egyptian Army Stadium, they mean the Borg El Arab Stadium.

CAIRO: The 17th FIFA U-20 World Cup will kick off today with a match between Egypt and Trinidad and Tobago in the Egyptian Army (Borg El Arab) Stadium in Alexandria.

The match will be preceded by a 15-minute ceremony in the attendance of President Hosni Mubarak and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.

The tournament goes on until Oct. 16.

"We are reassured that everything is in place; no country could have done more than what Egypt achieved in such a period of time," Jack A. Warner, FIFA vice-president and Organizing Committee chairman, said in a press conference Wednesday.

"We are happy that Egypt, a country where football is like a religion, is hosting the second biggest tournament organized by FIFA with all this business and governmental support to the tournament," he added.

While all eyes will be on Egypt, more than 60 talent scouts representing top European clubs will be looking for future talents like Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Luis Figo whose launching pad was the U-20 World Cup.

With players like Mohamed Talaat, Ahmed Shokry, Moaz El Henawy and Mohamed Abu Gabal, the Egyptian team is aiming for the top spot and breaking their third place record reached in Argentina in 2001.

For that purpose, the team's Czech coach Miroslav Sokoup and his assistants, former national team captain Hany Ramzy and Mohamed El Saify intensified training at a preparation camp where the team played more than 40 games against teams representing various football schools.

However, Ramzy expressed concern that his players may not be capable of coping with the heavy media exposure and large attendance in stadiums because they are not used to it.

"We are looking forward to the support of our fans; however, I am worried that we may lose concentration in front of expected fans pressure," he told FIFA.com.

For that purpose, the Egyptian Football Association assigned a psychologist to accompany the team and hold sessions to prepare the players for the situation.

"We hope that as the tournament begins with the team’s good results, football fever runs high among the fans and more and more people start attending the matches and eventually contribute to the success of the tournament," said Hani Abu Reda, LOC chairman and FIFA executive committee member.

The team is comprised of local players who play at youth sectors in Egyptian clubs, with Al-Ahly contributing with nine players.

On the other hand, the Caribbean opponent qualified after emerging fourth from the CONCACAF continental tournament and will be counting on players like striker Sean De Silva, Qian Grosvenor, Daniel Joseph and Marcus Joseph in midfield to mark their second participation in the tournament.

Both teams will be seeking to snatch the three points of the game before they play against stronger group contenders Italy and Paraguay.

With the participation of 24 teams divided into six groups, the first and second of each group as well as the best four teams who finish in third place qualify to the next stage.

Absent from the tournament are title holders Argentina, but the tournament will see the first ever international participation for Tahiti and Venezuela.

Experts tipped Brazil, Nigeria and Germany as favorites to claim the title.

However, teams like Italy, Spain and Brazil didn't call their star players for the tournament as their clubs refused to release them in the middle of the domestic leagues.

Warner said that this tournament makes players and not the opposite.

"We will witness very high competition and no team should be underrated; especially after Argentina's failure to qualify and the emergence of new teams," he told Daily News Egypt.

Egypt invested heavily in developing the infrastructure of its stadiums, building three new ones in Cairo (Al Salam Stadium), Alexandria (Egyptian Army Stadium or Borg El Arab Stadium) and Suez (Mubarak Stadium)

Complete renovations were carried out in existing venues in Port Said, Ismailia and Alexandria turning them into all-seated stadiums, changing the pitch, installing electronic monitors and equipping them with communication infrastructure.

"These good facilities are the real legacy that the tournament will leave to Egypt," Warner said.

The organizing committee also recruited more than 1,500 volunteers to help in stadium security, traffic flow around stadiums during matches and facilitate attendees’ entry and exist as well as providing assistance to media personnel and guests.

Health precautions against swine flu were taken by a health committee headed by Hani Moro, including six ambulance cars on alert in each stadium and establishing a communication network with various hospitals.

http://www.thedailynewsegypt.com/art...rticleID=24720

Let the games begin!!! Go Egypt!!