Hector Cuper happy with performance against Portugal

Egypt's Mohammed Salah (C) and the team celebrate after scoring the 1:0 during the soccer friendly game Portugal against Egypt in the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich, Switzerland, 23 March 2018. EPA/MELANIE DUCHENE

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Sunday Mar 25, 2018. 13:30

Egypt coach Hector Cuper says he is proud of how his men played against Portugal despite their 2-1 loss on Friday night.

The Pharaohs are preparing for their 2018 FIFA World Cup appearance in Russia and the Argentine boss was left satisfied.

Egypt lost 2-1 in a friendly in Zurich on Friday night as they get their preparations ready for their first World Cup in 28 years.

Egypt kept Portugal at bay until second-half stoppage time, but Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in a matter of minutes to deny them a famous victory whilst Mohamed Salah netted their only goal.

“We showed something different, considering the calibre of opponent we had in front of us,” Cuper said.

“We wanted to measure ourselves against the power of Portugal, to see where we are at the beginning of our preparations.

“Personally, I'm happy with what we did on the pitch, not with the result. Overall, we played a good game.

“It was an important challenge to know where we are, what is our level, to compete with a rival like Portugal, with players with great quality. It was a shame that they scored in the 92nd and 94th minute.

“Especially considering the opponent, we were pretty good. I would like another result, but football is like that.”

In their upcoming clash, Egypt will play Greece on Tuesday, in another friendly in Zurich.