‘They Ruined Our Dream’: Revenge on Socceroos’ Minds for Clash with Egypt
For Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe, the memories of a humid Tokyo night in 2021 still linger, a potent reminder of the team’s shattered medal hopes at the Olympics. Egypt, Australia’s opponents in the World Cup last 32, are the architects of that disappointment. Their 2-0 defeat of the Olyroos in that ill-fated match ended the dreams of Metcalfe, Harry Souttar, and Cammy Devlin – the only current Socceroos who played that night – and left a deep-seated desire for revenge.
“It actually feels like a blur to be honest,” Metcalfe said, recalling the match that defined their generation’s Olympic aspirations. “They were quite a big physical team, I just remember it being really humid and hot, we didn’t play our best game. Yeah, they ruined our dream.” Those words encapsulate the collective sentiment within the Socceroos’ camp, as they gear up for a rematch with Egypt in Dallas this week. The stakes are high, with the last 32 spot serving as a crucial stepping stone in their World Cup campaign.
While the Socceroos have not often crossed paths with Egypt at the senior level – their most recent encounter being a 3-0 win for the Pharaohs in Cairo in 2010 – Metcalfe’s Olyroos experience has provided additional motivation. “I guess you could say it’s a bit of revenge,” he said, his words laced with a sense of determination. This sentiment is shared by his teammates, who are keen to make amends for a painful defeat that has lingered in their collective psyche.
The speculation ahead of the match has been dominated by the fitness of Egypt forward Mo Salah, who came off against Iran with more than half an hour to play and was icing his left hamstring. However, the Socceroos are yet to focus their plans on Salah, or indeed any of the Egypt squad, which also includes Manchester City player Omar Marmoush and 18-year-old forward Hamza Abdelkarim, signed to Barcelona B. “At the moment, we haven’t really discussed Egypt that much, we just try to refresh the body, refresh the mind, and then tomorrow onwards we’ll start to really get ready for it,” Metcalfe said, reflecting the team’s focus on the present moment.
Defender Lucas Herrington acknowledges the threat posed by Egypt’s attacking trio, but emphasizes the need for the Socceroos to stay vigilant against all opponents. “They’re a top team and we’re all looking forward to the occasion and it’s another chance to make history,” he said, his words a testament to the team’s growing confidence. The Socceroos have not won a World Cup knockout match, and both occasions they have played in the last 16 delivered painful, narrow defeats. In 2006, Italy scored a late penalty to win 1-0, and Argentina held on for a 2-1 victory in 2022.
Despite these setbacks, Metcalfe believes they have a “really good shot” for breaking through in Dallas. “We’ve come so far, I don’t think anyone expected us to even get out of the group, so we’re all buzzing just to have this amazing achievement and be able to be in this knockout stage,” he said, his words infused with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The recent weeks have been a “release” for Metcalfe, who struggled for minutes in the Bundesliga with St Pauli. He has been instrumental for the Socceroos during this World Cup, and his newfound freedom on the pitch has been a welcome respite from the frustrations of the past season.
The seven-day break between the Socceroos’ final group stage match and the last 32 fixture has afforded the players more time with their family in the San Francisco Bay Area, before they ramp up preparations. The squad is due to fly to Dallas on Wednesday, and Metcalfe is relishing the opportunity to stay longer in the United States. “It’s nice to know that we get to stay here longer,” he said. “We also know that it could end very quickly, but we’re just trying to enjoy every day together.”
As the Socceroos prepare to face Egypt in the World Cup last 32, the memories of a Tokyo night in 2021 still linger, a potent reminder of the team’s shattered medal hopes. But this time, there’s a sense of purpose and determination within the squad. They’re not just looking to avenge a past defeat; they’re looking to make history, one match at a time.
The Weight of History
The Socceroos’ last 16 record in the World Cup is a sorry one. Two narrow defeats, in 2006 and 2022, have left a lingering sense of disappointment within the squad. But Metcalfe’s words offer a glimmer of hope – a sense that this team is different, that they have the talent and determination to break through. The likes of Metcalfe, Souttar, and Devlin – the only current Socceroos who played in the ill-fated Olympic match – have been instrumental in this campaign, and their collective experience will be crucial in facing Egypt’s formidable attack.
Revenge and Redemption
The Socceroos’ desire for revenge against Egypt is palpable, but it’s not just about individual scores or past defeats. It’s about making amends for a generation of players who were denied the opportunity to compete at the highest level. This team has shown remarkable resilience and determination in the face of adversity, and their World Cup campaign has been a testament to their growing confidence and cohesion.
Looking Ahead
As the Socceroos prepare to face Egypt in the World Cup last 32, the stakes are high. This match will be a defining moment in their campaign, and the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for the team and their fans. But for now, they’re focused on the present moment – the chance to make history, one match at a time.