Before the tournament, everyone – even jokingly – was counting the number of goals we will concede from former and current world champions Brazil and Italy. Pundits and fans predicted massive defeats from the world giants and we were not feeling bad about it.

Then came the dismal performance and defeat against Algeria. It was another reason to enforce that feeling we had that Egypt had no chance whatsoever of making the Confederations Cup second round.

Everyone was content to have such belief and we entered the competition peacefully, just to watch and hope we can produce anything to cheer about.

But typical of the Egyptian national football team, they never leave us to grief in peace. Just like every single World Cup qualifications we played since 1930. While everyone gives up hope Egypt comes up with the most surprising results to revive our aspirations then eventually dent our hopes.

The same happened this time around. Some brilliant display against Brazil and a historic win over Italy made us all believe that we have finally landed on the world stage.

Personally, I was afraid of the USA before the Confederations Cup. I though that our players will be striving to prove themselves against big teams but will fall to the Americans.

But for god's sake, beating Italy and losing 4-3 to Brazil can surely make anyone believe we can beat USA. But they did it again; Egypt players brought us and themselves to cloud number nine just to pull us down so harshly.

The games against Brazil and Italy were breathtaking, were something to make us proud for very long time to come. But I'm afraid the USA loss will also be another result we won't easily forget.

Now I foresee the same scenario in the World Cup qualifications, we will win the next two or three games only to end up losing on qualification in the final round against Algeria.