Strength in depth boosts hosts

Strength in depth boosts hosts
(FIFA.com) Monday 5 October 2009
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Only two months ago, Egypt coach Miroslav Soukup was lambasted by the local media for his side's poor performance at a friendly tournament in Korea Republic. Much of the criticism was reserved for his decision to experiment with a host of fringe players so close to a major tournament.

Yet despite losing to their Korean hosts in the Far East, the Young Pharaohs clearly benefited from the experience. A feature of their triumphant march to the knockout phase of the FIFA U-20 Word Cup 2009 has been the ability of squad members to deputise when needed - proof that the vastly experienced Soukup's got his pre-tournament preparations spot-on.

The man who led his native Czech Republic to the finals two years ago in Canada knows only too well that competing for major honours requires a squad with strength in depth, a point clearly illustrated in the hosts' make-or-break final group game against Italy.

Needing to win to guarantee their progress, Egypt went into the tie without a slew of first-choice players. Ahmed Hegazy, Salah Soliman and Mahmoud Toba were injured, Hussam Arafat was suspended and Enppi midfielder Mostafa Galal short of full fitness. Yet for all that, the hosts secured an historic win, thanks in no small part to Hesham Mohamed, who took the man of the match award on his debut, and Ahmed Shoukri and Bogy, who belied their relative inexperience by grabbing the all-important goals.