Mohamed Aboutrika shows he belongs in highest companyMohamed AboutrikaGabriele MarcottiHe is possibly the greatest footballer in the history of the world with a bachelor's diploma in philosophy hanging on the wall of his sitting room. He is arguably the best footballer on Earth not plying his trade in Europe or South America. And yesterday in Bloemfontein, South Africa, he was without doubt the best player on the pitch.Mohamed Aboutrika, right, the Egypt midfield player, defies convention, and not just because he put his studies ahead of his football for most of his life (he only really hit the big time at 25, when he joined Al-Ahly, of Egypt). At a time when most of the world's players dream of a lucrative move to Europe's big leagues, he has always said no.His critics will probably say that he's the quintessential big fish in a small pond and that helping Egypt to become African champions twice and guiding Al-Ahly to three African Champions League crowns are tinpot achievements because he “hasn't done it” against the best in the world. Well, he “did it” against Kaká and Co yesterday in Brazil's 4-3 victory. And on Thursday he'll have a chance to “do it” against the world champions, Italy.But the question remains: does staying in Egypt make him gutless and unambitious because he won't measure himself against the world's best on a regular basis? Or, in fact, should he be admired for remaining loyal to his homeland, simply being happy with what he has achieved and not feeling the need to chase the glamour and millions of the Premier League or La Liga?Related Links * Easy group fails to lift South Africa hopes * Why the football season never really ends * Gabriele Marcotti's five to watchDid Howard Webb have his Horacio Elizondo moment in the dying seconds of the Brazil v Egypt game? Elizondo, you may recall, was the Argentine referee who sent off Zinédine Zidane for his head-butt on Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final.While the decision was correct, because it took place behind him and there was no signal from the assistants, many speculated that Elizondo was alerted to the head-butt by the fourth official, who saw a replay on the pitch-side monitor. Which, of course, would mean that video evidence had been used: a big “no-no” as far as Fifa and Sepp Blatter, its president, are concerned.But that's the accusation Webb faces after awarding a penalty to Brazil after Ahmed al-Muhamadi, the Egypt defender, handled on the goalline. Webb originally signalled for a corner kick, then, some two minutes later, gave the penalty. Given that his assistant also originally pointed to the corner flag, one can only wonder what prompted Webb's change of heart.Hassan Shehata, the Egypt coach, has little doubt. “As far as I am aware there is no rule allowing video evidence,” he said. “We're not contesting the referee's decision but the way it was made. Or maybe the rules have changed and nobody has told us.”Or maybe Webb heard a little voice in his head. Possibly the voice of the fourth official who took a peek at the TV replay. If that's the case, it's time for Fifa to have a rethink and consider banning monitors from pitch-side. At the very least, it would be a good idea if Webb gave his version of events.Mohamed Aboutrika shows he belongs in highest company - Times Online
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Posts
