'It was a dream': Egypt revel in historic World Cup moment
For Karim Ramadan, watching from a buzzing Cairo cafe before sunrise, the moment felt almost unreal as Egypt progressed from the group stage of a World Cup for the first time in their history on Saturday.
"It was a dream," Ramadan told AFP from a cafe in Cairo's popular Shubra neighbourhood, where he arrived at 6:00 am to secure a seat among hundreds of other fans.
"It's an incredible feeling we've dreamt of for years," he told AFP.
Egypt already knew before kick-off that results elsewhere had secured their place in the last 32, but that did little to dampen the intensity of a ferocious match in Seattle or the determination of fans eager to watch their team finish strongly.
The Pharaohs' dramatic 1–1 draw against Iran saw them finish runners-up in their group, level on points with Belgium but behind on goal difference.
In Shubra, the fifth-minute goal shattered the early morning calm.
AFP footage showed fans springing to their feet as rows of chairs packed tightly around a glowing screen spilled out into the street, where supporters cheered and clapped through drifting clouds of shisha smoke.
Iran later drew level after missing an earlier penalty, before the drama arrived deep into stoppage time when they appeared to score a decisive second goal.
Footage on social media showed fans rising from their seats in frustration, only to return moments later when the goal was ruled out for offside, triggering renewed celebrations.
Despite the early kick-off -- an unusual hour in a city known for its late starts -- Cairo erupted.
AFP reporters across the capital saw crowds streaming through the streets in cars and on motorbikes, flags fluttering from windows as chants and horn blasts marked the realisation of a long-awaited moment.
- 'Worthy of his legacy' -
There was brief concern when Egyptian captain and record goal scorer Mohamed Salah, who recently turned 34, was forced off early in the second half with an injury. Coach Hossam Hassan later reassured fans.
"I spoke with Salah and he told me everything will be fine that it is not a serious injury," he said, adding that further tests would be conducted.
Supporters hope the tournament, which may be Salah's final World Cup, will provide a fitting conclusion to his international career.
"Mohamed Salah is a great player," said Mido Hossam, watching the match in Cairo.
"He deserves a farewell worthy of his legacy with Egypt," he told AFP.
Egypt will now face Australia in Dallas on July 3, with many fans relieved to have avoided Senegal, their longstanding African rivals.
This is Egypt's fourth World Cup appearance and only their second since 1990, following their return at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Earlier in the week, they secured their first-ever World Cup victory with a 3–1 win over New Zealand.
