Egypt said they would file a protest to FIFA after Brazi’ls controversial injury time winner in their Confederations Cup opener in Bloemfontein on Monday night.
Egypt had come back from 3-1 down to be tied at 3-3 as the match headed into injury time, but were beaten by Kaka’s last-gasp penalty. English referee Howard Webb had initially appeared to award a corner after Lucio’s goalbound effort was blocked by Ahmed al-Muhamadi on the line. While Al Muhamadi rolled around on the ground apparently injured, fourth official Matthew Breeze spoke with Webb, reportedly after seeing television replays. Webb then signaled to the penalty spot and showed Al Muhamadi the red card. “Since when do the regulations say it is a penalty based on the monitors or on the television” asked Egypt’s deputy coach Shawki Gharib. “Egypt is going to file a complaint against the penalty.” Are Egypt right to feel hard done by over Brazil’s penalty Brazil coach Dunga saw nothing wrong with the decision. “It was a clear case of a penalty,” he said, adding that his team let a two-goal lead slip because they were tired. “We had two tough (World Cup) qualifiers, 23 hours of travel and the time difference. The players have not been sleeping well so obviously we are quite happy with the win.” It was a sour end to a superb match between the African Nations winners and reigning Confederations Cup champions Brazil. Brazil were leading 3-1 at halftime with first-half strikes from Real’s Madrid’s new $92 million signing Kaka on five minutes with Luis Fabiano (12) and Juan (37).
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Mohamed Zidan had initially equalized by heading home Wael Gomaa’s cross on nine minutes. But two goals inside two minutes in the second half saw Egypt draw level again. The first came when Sayed Moawad pulled the ball back from the left to Mohamed Shawky, who blasted a superb strike beyond Julio Cesar, with the dangerous Zidan adding the third seconds later. Dunga took off Manchester City pair Robinho and Elano soon after and replaced them with Benfica midfielder Ramires and Milan striker Alexandre Pato. The changes did the trick as Kaka scored his second from the spot, but FIFA will now await an official Egypt protest. Brazil next face CONCACAF Gold Cup winners United States on Thursday before facing world champions Italy on June 21. In an earlier match on Monday, world champions Italy came from a goal down to beat the United States 3-1.
