Ronaldo? He will play against Fathy: Nabih

CAIRO – 09 March 2018: Egyptian National team’s general coach, Osama Nabih, said the coaching staff is leaving nothing to chance, saying that they are preparing well for the Portuguese team, and explained with a laugh that there is a way to stop Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid’s star.

Egypt will face Portugal and Greece on March 23 and 27, respectively, as part of the preparations for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The national team will travel to Switzerland on March 20 in a private jet.

“EFA [Egyptian Football Association] prepared a good plan for the national team. Three matches against Portugal, Greece and Belgium will be a very good preparation to the World Cup,” Nabih said.

“We are leaving nothing to chance; we watched a lot of games for Portugal and Greece and we are ready for both teams,” former Zamalek’s legend and current Egyptian national team’s general coach added.

Nabih was questioned about Cristiano Ronaldo’s current form and what the coaching staff would do to stop him.

“No worries, Ahmed Fathy [Al-Ahly’s defender] will play against him,” Nabih responded humorously.

Egypt faced Portugal two times before; Portugal defeated Egypt 4-0 on December 24, 1955 and 2-0 on August 17, 2005. Both games were international friendly matches.

The EFA are still working on reaching an agreement with other national teams to play friendly games before the World Cup.

The World Cup draw put Egypt in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and the host nation, Russia. Egypt opens their participation against Uruguay on June 15.