By Mazen M Gouda

The Egyptian National Soccer team improved its chances to qualify for the World Cup by defeating Rwanda 3 – 0 on July 5, 2009. Although the Egyptian national team holds the record for winning the African championships an unprecedented six times, it has not been able to qualify for the World Cup since 1990.

Lately the Egyptian national team has gained the support of Egyptians and Arabs throughout the Arab States and abroad.  This sense of Arab pride created by the success of the Egyptian team has inspired a sense of unity and community between Arabs: an unlikely phenomenon due to the many political and economic issues between Arabs living in the different Arab States. The victories in these soccer matches has created jubilation in Egypt.  Egyptians rush to the streets to celebrate the victory and to take pride in their country’s success. In fact, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the Egyptians look forward to the matches the same way a child looks forward to Christmas morning.  They even celebrate victories as if they were celebrating El-Eid.

Egypt suffers from economical and corruption problems.  Yet, when Egypt won the African Championship in 2006, poverty did not stop Egyptians from celebrating in the streets.  When Egypt won the African Championship again in 2008, the high unemployment rate did stand in the way of celebrating the victories and sharing hugs with fellow Egyptians.  When Egypt defeated the Italian World Champions, the conflicts between the Arabs did not get in the way of taking a united stand in celebrating Arab-Egyptian pride.

Success on the field has had positive effects on the Egyptian economy.  Sales of soccer apparel and Egyptian memorabilia increase.  Cafes and restaurants witness an increase in traffic and sales as customers attend these venues to watch the matches.  Artists and entertainers create music and host shows that are connected to the matches and success of the teams.  Success and victories even inspire the work force to work harder and contribute.  More importantly, success and celebration has a social and personal impact on the community.  It creates a sense of happiness and nationalism that overshadows the typical stories of struggle and economic hardship.  It inspires Egyptians and Arabs from all over the world to unite.