Egypt achieved its first-ever victory in the Beach Soccer World Cup with a dramatic win over the United States of America by a score of 5-4.
The 2024 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is currently taking place in Dubai, with 16 teams from six confederations taking part in it.
Egypt were placed in a tough group with hosts UAE, Italy, and USA, losing against the first two 2-1 and 6-2 in their opening two games.
Their final game against the USA was a dead rubber, as the CONCACAF champions had also suffered back-to-back defeats.
However, it was important for the Pharaohs who were looking for their first-ever World Cup win, which they managed to achieve with a tough 5-4 after extra time.
Former Zamalek striker Hossam Paulo scored three goals while both Ahmed El-Shahat and El Husseini Taha ensured the win with another two goals.
Paulo, a two-time Egyptian Premier League top goalscorer, became the first Egyptian player to score a hat-trick in the tournament as well as claiming the Man of the Match award.
The win was historic as it was the first for the Pharaohs and during their first-ever historic participation despite the group-stage elimination.
With that, Egypt secured its first two points in the tournament, finishing the group stage in third place ahead of the USA, while Italy secured the top spot ahead of the UAE on goal difference.