— Stuart Collins WXM AFC (@Stuart30982) June 25, 2018
The stakes weren’t high to begin with as the two teams were set to head home regardless of the end result. Saudi Arabian players were determined for a win whereas the Egyptian team was clearly demoralized after a disappointing run in the World Cup, intense criticism online and much controversy arising against the Egyptian Federation of Football.
https://twitter.com/Georgesketch/status/1011263837931175937
The match was underwhelming with poor, slow performances from the unmotivated players.
https://twitter.com/latifxaa/status/1011276532961239041
https://twitter.com/latifxaa/status/1011275536583352320
Three main reactions prevailed on social media, all fell under an umbrella of disappointment: the first reaction being utter pride of the Egyptian goalkeeper, Essam El Hadary. The 45-year-old goalie was brilliantly able to save a penalty; inspiring 45-year-olds worldwide to consider trying professional football.
What a day for Egypt's 45-year old keeper Essam El Hadary, becoming only the 4th goalkeeper to save a penalty on his #WorldCup debut since 1966.
Definitely something to tell his grandchildren about…….
When he returns home from the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/QAOY8vErrr
— Transfer Site (@TransferSite) June 25, 2018
I love that they all embraced him as if he scored a goal. Brilliant.
— Simon V 🌻 (@rithmaster) June 25, 2018
The second theme to reign in the realm of social media was support for Mohamed Salah, who scored Egypt’s fourth ever goal at the World Cup. He opted not to celebrate despite his teammates’ ecstasy, most notably, El Hadary’s who dropped to his knees in delight.
First goal for Egypt since 1934❤️
— Lea🌿 (@watchisbroken) June 25, 2018
— سامر ابوزهرة (@samer_abuzahra) June 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/Shahedm18261389/status/1011291683701616640
Sad to see Salah being used as a pawn in the political games of the Egypt FA. Scored an excellent goal yet there wasn't even a flicker of joy in his face.
Not how representing your country should be.
— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) June 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/smolsekai/status/1011268511853891584
Thirdly, the audience expressed their dismay of the match referee on social media. He awarded Saudi Arabia two penalties to tie the record for the most awarded at a World Cup. On the second penalty, the Egyptian players protested the referee’s decision. The VAR was consulted, and the penalty was expected to be overturned but Roldan stuck with his decision.
https://twitter.com/footyfan4u/status/1011260177935421442
The Ref wasn't reviewing the penalty, he was just checking his bank account for the Saudi-Money. #KSAEGY #السعوديه_مصر pic.twitter.com/xlQlVgbNXo
— Walied (@Walied_96) June 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/_DinaM/status/1011279208079912961
Finally, behind the stifled laughs, the jokes and the anger, football fans worldwide were only left with disappointment and disbelief. It was saddening for Egypt to end the match with a tie let alone a last-second goal, declaring Saudi Arabia as the winners, and Egypt, the bottom rank in the group.
https://twitter.com/salmaaxx_/status/1011277433335578625
Award to the most embarrassing team effort at the World Cup goes to Egypt. Well done lads
— #TouchlineFracas (@touchlinefracas) June 25, 2018
So Egypt has gifted Saudi Arabia their 1st world cup victory since 1994. Hmmm. Ghana should have been there @3SportsGh @3fm927 #worldcup
— Winston Amoah (@winston_amoah) June 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/Crazy_Copt/status/1011281905839411200
https://twitter.com/hatersayimcocky/status/1011268010915573760
https://twitter.com/PrinceChi10/status/1011278262918578177
Wait Egypt lost????? And they finished the World Cup with 0 points???? pic.twitter.com/qyaxO7UWiI
— ㅤ🇨🇩🇸🇱 (@6Flavs) June 25, 2018
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