Egypt's chances lie mainly with Salah

Manager Hector Cuper

Mark Wright scored the last time Egypt played in a World Cup and after 27 years away the Pharaohs, so strong in continental competitions, are back where they believe they belong.

Egypt won three straight Africa Cup of Nations between 2006-10 and were beaten finalists this year, but the one they wanted was a return to the World Cup and Hector Cuper has delivered a finals spot.

Mohamed Salah was the inspiration, nervelessly slotting home a decisive injury-time penalty against Congo to take his tally to five goals - the most on the continent.

Good enough to win games on his own, Salah has scored 32 goals in 56 caps and will determine how far Egypt progress, while first-choice goalie Essam El-Hadary will be one of the stories of the World Cup. He turns 45 in January.

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