Egyptians affected by home
tragedy
 Macau,
China, July 27, 2005 - Egypt's players could be excused for
not having their minds focused fully on their Volleyball
here at the Girls' U18 World Championship.
When a terrorist bomb causes death and destruction in one of
your country's most popular resorts, losing 3-0 to Russia
and missing out on the quarter-finals is not the end of the
world.
When asked if the tragedy in Sharm El Sheikh had affected
the Egyptian players, captain Hagar Maged said, "Of course
we have been down.
"We are afraid for our families and friends, and also that
it might happen again in Cairo when we go home.
"A lot of Egyptian people died, so we have been very sad
about it."
Fortunately, none of the players or staff here were directly
affected by the tragedy, but this could not take away the
anguish.
"It's been difficult for us, because we are here playing
Volleyball," added the captain. "Compared to that, win or
lose is no problem."
Looking back on the championship, she said she was satisfied
with her team's performance in the victory over Macau and in
the defeat against Croatia, but not with their displays in
the losses to Argentina and to Russia in the elimination
play-off.
"This is my first championship and I think I will be a
better player when I go back to Egypt for this experience,"
she said. "We have learned not to be afraid of the other
teams, and to concentrate more."
Head coach Hesham Badrawy was more critical of his team's
display against Russia, however, saying in English: "Try
okay, but no try!" |
Competition Formula
