Ahmed Shubair, the former goalkeeper of the Egyptian national team, believes that his son (Mostafa) surpasses him technically, while simultaneously refusing to compare the two.
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Australia
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Egypt
America 2026
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Egypt
America 2026
Mostafa Shubair is delivering excellent performances as the goalkeeper for the Egyptian national team and is preparing to face Australia in the Round of 32 of the World Cup.
Ahmed Shubair said via FIFA's website: "Honestly, it never crossed my mind that my son (Mostafa) would become the goalkeeper for the Egyptian national team in the World Cup. I knew he was a good goalkeeper with great potential, but I did not expect my name to be mentioned again in the tournament after all these years, and in the same position."
He added, "By nature, I do not show my emotions and keep them inside. But in that moment, many feelings mixed within me; pride, esteem, joy, love, crying, and anxiety. I admit that anxiety and tension were greater than my fear for him, because I know the magnitude of the responsibility and pressure borne by the goalkeeper of the Egyptian national team. But Mostafa is a 'good man' (Gada') and is good at handling responsibility."
He emphasized, "I do not like comparisons between us, either as a father or as a former goalkeeper. Football has changed greatly between 1990 and 2026; science and technology have entered the game, and the requirements for the goalkeeper position have become completely different. Therefore, I see that Mostafa is certainly much better than me; he is a great goalkeeper, possesses a distinctive vision of the field, plays better with his feet, and enjoys immense confidence."
He continued, "I hope he keeps his goal clean, especially in the upcoming match against Australia. I also hope the match does not extend to penalty kicks, as they are exhausting and difficult for all of us. If he plays against Australia, he will become the goalkeeper with the most appearances for the Egyptian national team in the tournament's history, having played 4 matches. I wish him and any goalkeeper representing the team success."
He added, "I expect the match against Australia to be difficult, not technically, but the biggest challenge will be physically, given the physical strength enjoyed by the Australian national team players. Nevertheless, I trust in our players and their ability to deliver a good performance and achieve qualification."
Of course, the 1990 finals remain one of the greatest stations in my career, and its memories are wonderful. Specifically, the match against England is the most entrenched in my memory, as it was one of the best matches I played in my career. But, unfortunately, I do not forget the mistake I made in handling one of the cross balls, before the English defender Mark Wright headed it, causing it to hit our defender Hisham Yakan and settle in the net. Whenever I recall that moment, I feel sadness."
Ahmed Shubair was the goalkeeper for the Egyptian national team in the 1990 World Cup finals, and now his son Mostafa guards the Pharaohs' goal in the 2026 edition.
