Pharoahs are unknown

BLOEMFONTEIN – Brazil will begin their defence of their Confederations Cup title today against an Egyptian team they know very little about.

The five-time world champions are hoping to get off to a good start in their attempt to become the first nation to win three Confederations Cup titles, but the Brazilians enter the first match wary of the unknown African champions.

“We don’t know what to expect from Egypt,” Brazil striker Robinho said. “Of course we respect them, but we don’t know much about them.”

Brazil have faced the Egyptians four times, but the last match was more than 46 years ago. In four friendlies played before 1963, Brazil earned four victories.

“Right now, we know very little about Egypt,” striker Luis Fabiano said. “Hopefully coach Dunga will be able to give us some information about what kind of weapons they have.”

Dunga has more of an idea about Brazil’s Group B opponent at the Free State Stadium today in Bloemfontein.

“Egypt might not be that well known, but it’s a team with a lot of capacity,” Dunga said. “It’s a team that marks well and uses a lot of speed on counterattacks. We have to make sure our players can avoid any surprises.”

Brazil are the favourites to advance from the group along with World Cup holders, Italy, and victories against Egypt and then against the United States on Thursday are key for the Brazilians.

“The goal is to use the first two matches to guarantee a spot in the next stage,” Robinho said.

Egypt won the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations to secure their spot in this year’s tournament, but they are struggling in World Cup qualifying and coach Hassan Shehata will have to cope with the loss of injured Wigan striker Amr Zaki. The record six-time African champions will have to rely on Borussia Dortmund striker Mohamed Zidan.

Egypt hasn’t played in the World Cup finals since 1990, and their only Confederations Cup appearance was in Mexico in 1999, when they failed to advance past the group stage.

“Egypt cannot afford to fear Brazil in our opener because if we enter the first match with such a feeling, we will show the same fear against the other teams,” Shehata said.

– Sapa-AP.