On Tuesday, fan zones and football viewing spots became arenas of boisterous cheers and disappointment as Egypt and Argentina played a very tense match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
On Tuesday, fan zones and football viewing spots became arenas of boisterous cheers and disappointment as Egypt and Argentina played a very tense match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Federico Escobar, a Dubai resident who was in a shisha cafe filled with Egyptian fans, supported his homeland. He noted that he was the only Argentine present, so he did not actively cheer when the opposing team scored. Nevertheless, he expressed concern during the first half, stating that Egypt had played exceptionally well and they should be proud.
The Egyptian couple Mohamed and Bushra watched the match from a restaurant on Sheikh Zayed Road, dressed in matching red jerseys. After the game, they expressed their disappointment but emphasized their pride in the team and its performance. Mohamed noted that the Egyptians completely dominated in the first half and added that some referee decisions were questionable, which led to a feeling of some disappointment.
Before the changes occurred, Egypt was leading by two goals and looked ready to pull off the biggest upset of the tournament. However, in the 79th minute, Romero scored the first goal for Argentina, after which Messi and Fernandez quickly added two more goals.
Thousands of Egyptians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held their breath on Friday evening as Hossam Abdelmagid stepped up for a penalty in the World Cup qualifier match against Australia. This decisive moment came after both teams drew 2-2, and the penalty shootout ended with Egypt winning 2-3.
When the goal hit the net, an explosion of sounds erupted across the UAE from cafes, homes, and fan zones. This marked the first time that favorites reached Group A16 of the FIFA tournament, where they are set to face Lionel Messi of Argentina, who plays alongside Mohamed Salah. This was followed by a truly unforgettable display of euphoria and Arab unity.
Journalists from Khaleej Times in Dubai and Ajman reported that fans in red shirts took to the streets around 1:30 AM, chanting, greeting, and dancing. On the sidewalks, people sang the phrase 'Shemal yameen amalooha al masreyeen' (left and right, the Egyptians did it); women on balconies emitted a characteristic high sound called zaghruta. Families, including children, participated in the fun despite the late hour.
On the roads, drivers honked and congratulated strangers in adjacent lanes while traffic moved slowly, and passengers turned around waving the red-white-black flag of Egypt. Police cars were spotted in several areas, especially near cafes broadcasting the matches. However, as was the case during similar tense sporting events in the past, the authorities' presence was mainly focused on regulating traffic and preventing celebrations from getting out of control.
An ecstatic Egyptian expat named Mohammed, who gave only his name, told Khaleej Times that the celebration felt like he had returned home. He emphasized the importance of the world seeing Arab skill and talent on such a global stage as the FIFA World Cup.
A resident of Dubai named Ahmed noted that not only Egyptians were celebrating. As an Egyptian himself, he was happy to see other Arabs and non-Arabs, including Filipino and Indian expats, celebrating, noting that this display of solidarity made him feel supported despite being far from home.
An Indian expat and long-time resident of the UAE, Annie, told Khaleej Times: 'The energy after the match in the UAE was electric. The most memorable thing for me—besides all the moments when my family and I were shouting in front of the TV—was how the match ended at 00:53, and practically a minute later Sheikh Mohammed tweeted that 'the joy of the Arabs today is Egyptian.' I am not Arab, but having lived here for three decades, I understood what he meant... We all felt the same pride last night. It is truly a beautiful game that unites people of different nations.'
Near Ajman Corniche, the scene was similar. A Khaleej Times reporter present there on Friday evening recalls loud cheers and a cacophony of car horns, while flags soared through windows and hatches. Authorities were also gathered in the area as traffic began to increase, ensuring everyone's safe return home.
