WORLD CUP FOCUS: Egyptian coach Hector Cuper says they have studied Cristiano Ronaldo

Egypt coach Hector Cuper

Wednesday Mar 14, 2018. 13:30

Egyptian National Team coach Hector Cuper says the upcoming international friendly against Portugal is very important for their 2018 FIFA World Cup preparations.

The manager spoke in a press conference this week about their upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Uruguay as well as the imminent World Cup tournament.

Cuper said they have studied the Portuguese brand of football, but insisted they are a top national team if not the best in the world.

“We always respect the opponent even if it is the winner of the UEFA Euro Cup Portugal, one of the best teams in the world. It is a very strong and important friendly for us,” Cuper said.

“We have studied Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo like we studied Uruguay and its stars Cavani and Suarez. We will see in the game how we will do.

“We will try to play well at the World cup and we will try many things against Portugal and Ronaldo.

“There is no player that has secured his place at the World Cup. There are many factors that influence that."

The friendlies come in preparation for Egypt’s first World Cup in 28 years as the Pharaohs were drawn into Group A with hosts Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

“To reach your goal everyone must do their part. In the last three years we have gone through tough situations but the end result was very good and we have achieved good results,” the former Inter Milan coach added.

“We will always try to achieve the best results and I thank Hany Abo-Reda the president of the EFA on the past period and his support for the National Team and giving us full freedom.

“I thank Egypt and the Egyptian National Team and everyone who supports the team.”