Ibrahim Adel’s double helped Egypt pull off a stunning 2-1 victory over Spain in Nantes, propelling Rogerio Micale’s team to the quarter-finals as Group C winners.
Egypt, already assured of a knockout stage spot after wins against the Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan, faced a Spain squad that featured ten changes.
Spain had an early chance to lead, but Jon Pacheco’s header went wide after seven minutes. Marc Pubill then hit the post, missing another opportunity to score.
Egypt, needing only a draw to advance, aimed to counter-attack and nearly scored in the 23rd minute when Ahmed Kouka’s long-range shot was tipped over by Alejandro Iturbe.
Five minutes before halftime, Adel struck a stunning first-time shot into the top corner, giving Egypt the lead.
Despite tactical changes from Spain at halftime, Egypt doubled their lead around the hour mark. A poor back-pass from Pacheco allowed Adel to score again with a fortuitous finish over Iturbe.
Adel almost secured a hat-trick in the 74th minute, but Iturbe blocked his shot and then Kouka’s follow-up. Spain missed a key chance to reduce the deficit when Sergio Camello’s unmarked header hit the post.
Samu Omorodion finally scored for Spain in the 90th minute with a powerful header, but Egypt held on to celebrate their first-ever win over Spain and their qualification for the quarter-finals.
Spain will now face the winners of Group D, either Japan or Paraguay, after Denia’s extensive lineup changes backfired.
