Egypt looked certain to defeat Portugal in a hotly contested match when, within two minutes of the match ending, Cristiano Ronaldo scored two thrilling goals.
The match, held at the Stadion Letzigrund in Zürich on Friday, saw Egypt playing Portugal as both nations prepare for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The Pharaohs, who have been training in Switzerland ahead of the World Cup, were hoping to put on a fierce display to silence critics.
Throughout the match, the Pharaohs held off several attacks by Portugal. Both sides appeared evenly matched throughout the first half, with only a couple of dangerous attacks and missed chaces.
In the second half, Egypt was immediately on the attack and within 11 minutes, ‘King of Egypt’ Mohamed Salah scored a superb goal. The Liverpool forward struck the inside of the net from outside the area following an assist from Abdallah El-Said.
After the 56 minute goal, Portugal launched a number of attempts, but was met with a strong Egyptian defense. Egypt appeared less threatening following its first goal, with Mohamed Salah substitued for Zamalek’s Shikabala in the 78th minute.
As the match drew to a close, it seemed certain that Egypt would win its first friendly match ahead of the World Cup. However, in the second minute of additional time, Ronaldo scored a sensational header from a diagonal cross that Egypt’s Ahmed El-Shenawy simply could not save.
Just two minutes later, and seconds before the referee blew the whistle, Ronaldo headed in another goal, ending Egypt’s hopes to a victorious start to their friendly matches.
Egypt will face Greece in a second friendly in Switzerland on 27 March 2018.
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