Mostafa “Zico” Mohamed’s trajectory took an unexpected turn before the World Cup. The Pyramids striker was preparing to go on vacation on the north coast of Egypt when he received a call that changed his plans: being called up to play for the national team at the World Cup.
“I was away from the national team and, honestly, I didn’t expect it. Coach Hossam Hassan called me from the coast. I was about to go on vacation and, suddenly, I was at the World Cup”, said Zico after Egypt’s 3-1 victory over New Zealand, on Sunday (21).
Before the tournament, the striker was considered a secondary option in the squad, but he quickly gained space and became one of the main pieces of the Egyptian team. Against New Zealand, he scored a goal and assisted for , in an effective move with a backheel pass inside the box.
Zico’s name also pays homage to Brazilian football. Named after the idol Zico, he is part of a tradition in Egyptian football of athletes adopting names inspired by great international stars.
Versatile, the player can play on the sides of the field or as a center forward and was already gaining confidence before the World Cup. He scored in preparatory friendlies, before finding the net for the first time in a World Cup.
It had historic weight: it was Egypt’s first triumph in a World Cup and placed the team in a comfortable position in Group G, before the decisive duel against Iran. The team is seeking an unprecedented qualification for the knockout phase.
Zico highlighted the trust shown by coach Hossam Hassan since the beginning of the work.
“From the first minute until now, Hossam Hassan gave us confidence. Thank God, I didn’t let him down for a second,” he said.
Despite the good moment, the striker avoided euphoria and said that Egypt has not yet achieved anything.
“We haven’t achieved anything yet. We hope we can go even further. We are the strongest team in Africa. Why can’t we go as far as possible in this tournament?”, he declared.
