Source : ABC NEWS
In the immediate aftermath of Egypt’s 3-2 loss to Argentina, it was largely quiet in New York’s ‘Little Egypt’, Queens.
There was sadness at the nature of the defeat, anger with the officiating, and frustration at the missed opportunity.
A man dressed as a Pharoah trudged off, his sour expression in stark contrast to his extravagant costume.
That mood lasted for about 10 minutes, then things took an unusual turn, as the next hour and a half erupted into a full-scale street party.
Celebrating history
This was a game no-one expected Egypt to win, then when the Pharoahs were on the cusp of pulling off the incomprehensible, the pre-match predictions were fulfilled in the most unpredictable way.
Fans of all ages were among the supporters. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
Analysts will deconstruct how Egypt let a late 2-0 lead slip, while Egypt coach Hossam Hassan blasted the refereeing, which included a disallowed goal following a VAR review,
Many fans echoed his thoughts with claims of the match being “rigged” and admitted to feeling the hurt.
“We’re depressed, but we’re depressed together,” Sarah said.
But for many of these fans, when you come so close to reaching Everest’s summit when no-one gave you any chance of getting there, tumbling back down to base camp is not so devastating. It is the journey that matters.
The partying went on well after full-time. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
Fans making plenty of noise. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
Despite it being mid-afternoon on a Tuesday, there were flares and fireworks repeatedly set off, and the traditional darbuka drum was being played.
Hundreds of fans from around the New York tri-state area and beyond had come here to celebrate together, whatever the result.
“It’s scripted for god’s sake, Lionel Messi, 3-2, heartbreaking,” Mooed Majeed from London said.
“For people to be out here, food, vibes, people, community, which is the most important thing, which sometimes gets lost in this crazy world we live in.
“Honestly, it’s a beautiful thing to see, even though there was a loss, people are out here together having fun.”
Most of the fans say they are proud of how Egypt performed in the tournament. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
Others wanted to mark Egypt’s furthest ever progression at a men’s World Cup, having never even won a match prior to this tournament.
“We came out here because this is the population where there are a lot of Egyptians out here, and there’s a lot of support in general,” Jenna from Connecticut said.
“But it was unfair to see how the last 20 minutes played out. I feel like at the end of the day, we’re winners regardless.
Some supporters were angered by the officiating in the game. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
Pride was the overwhelming emotion from the supporters.
“We scored two goals against Argentina!,” Lamar, from Jersey City,, said.
“Although the ending was really not what we expected, it’s still a huge accomplishment and I think that will stay with all Egyptians until the next World Cup.”
Astoria, Queens, has a large Egyptian population. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
All smiles despite exiting the tournament. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
Support for Palestine
This neighbourhood in Astoria, Queens, is a thriving Arab and Middle Eastern hub in New York City.
While on this day Egyptian flags dominated, the same has been the case since Morocco won, and there is a strong presence of Lebanese and Palestinian businesses as well.
Many fans waved Palestinian flags. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
Egypt’s progression in this tournament has not only represented a monumental achievement for Africa, especially North Africa, but also for the Arab world.
A small group of some of the fans broke away to march down the street, flying Palestinian flags, chanting ‘Free Palestine.’
“We spoke for Palestine, we support Palestine, and we’re here to show all the Arab countries, be proud, carry it on and just celebrate because it’s worth a celebration,” Efnan, from Connecticut, said.
And Palestinians gathered in Gaza to watch this match, showing their support for Egypt.
Palestinians gather among buildings destroyed by Israeli strikes to watch the game. (Getty Images: Saeed M. M. T. Jaras)
Coach Hassan has used this tournament to speak out about Palestine, carrying the flag after the team’s win over Australia.
He gave an impassioned four-minute answer to a question about the move in this pre-game press conference.
“If there is anyone in the world who does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they are not human, whether they are Arab, European, or American,” he said.
“What came out of me was simply a human reaction. Before being Arab, Muslim, Christian or anything else, I am a human being.
“Through football, the world’s soft power, I want to send a message: please let the Palestinian people live.”
