A first-half header from midfielder Mohamed Hommos handed the Pharaohs a historic 1-0 win over the world champions in Thursday's FIFA Confederations Cup tie at Ellis Park.

Gomaa, Hani Saied and Ahmed Saied 'Ouka' formed a competent backline that prevented Italy from scoring any goals, in spite of their incessant attempts.

"Iaquinta is tall like a giant, and that was his main strength along with his physical abilities, but I managed to hold him at bay," the 33-year-old said after the game.

"Keeping him away from the box was the best way to paralyze him."

The Ahli veteran closely marked the Juventus hitman in the first period, and after the interval he kept tabs on Luca Toni, who was introduced as a second-half substitute.

Gomaa admitted that his mission in the game was extremely exhausting.

"I was running out of gas in the second half after exerting a huge effort, therefore I made some blunders," he stated.

Comparison

In Egypt's pervious match with Brazil, which the latter narrowly won 4-3, Gomaa was marking talented marksman Luis Fabiano.

The experienced center-half conceded that both players were hard to shadow, and highlighted the different attributes of each.

"Iaquinta mainly depends on his physical strength, while Fabiano's remarkable dribbling skills is what makes him very dangerous," Gomaa explained.

Confidence

From his side, Hosni Abd-Rabou believes that Egypt's praiseworthy display in the defeat to Brazil earned the African champions confidence and helped them summoned up enough strength to beat Italy.

"Everyone of us did his best in order to defeat the World champions," the Ahli Dubai midfielder said. "Our game with Brazil earned us complete confidence."

Egypt take on USA on Sunday in their last Confederations Cup group stage match.

Hassan Shehata's team lie in Group B third place with three points, while Italy are in second place on goal difference with as many points.

USA are languishing at the bottom of the group with no points, While Brazil are on top with six.