Morph Like an Egyptian: Play Your Opponent's Style

There is a phrase too often heard from winning and losing players alike: "We have to play our football." Usually a losing player says that, despite adversity and an aggressive opponent, a team must concentrate and play its own brand of football.

A winning player, on the other hand, sings his team's praise, saying essentially the same thing, that his team won because they were able to overcome the opponent's imposition and play the winning team's kind of football.

And around the world, historically successful European and South American teams are known for distinctive styles: a free-flowing team is playing Brazilian football, a systemic team is playing German football, a diving team is playing Portuguese football (Sorry I just had to!).

But now, thanks to the Egyptian team's performances against Brazil and Italy, a new style may be in development; morphing into your opponent.

Against Brazil, Egypt played a rhythmic game with accurate, flowing passing, great control, and spells of possession. The Egyptians belly-danced to the sounds of the Samba, arguably better than that day's Brazil.

And against Italy, a team worthy of Arsenal's old chant, "Boring Booooring Italiaaaa," Egypt was again playing the Italians' game. Historically defensive and physical, Italy was outplayed by an equally aggressive and viscous Egypt.

Shawky and Abd Rabo showed class in midfield, as did Homos (pronounced like the Arabic pronunciation of the food, "hummus"), whose goal was not even his biggest contribution. The Pharaohs were latchy and annoying, and scored one goal that has so often been the difference in Italian wins (unlike the old days of Italy 11-3 Egypt).

One now has to wonder, how should Egypt play against a horrendous and obsolete American side? Well, when faced with weaker teams, is when you force your kind of football down your opponent's throat. At least that may be what Shehata is thinking!