Mostafa Mohamed Zaki Abdelraouf
CF (RW)
Playmaking Forward
Apr 27, 1997 (29)
Right
Poor showing vs. Socceroos
Ziko registered two tackles (two won) in Friday's 1-1 (5-3) penalty shootout win over Australia.
Analysis: Ziko had shown decent displays in previous matches, but he looked overmatched by Australia's physical approach and was subbed off midway through the second half. Given the uptick in competition and the presence of Trezeguet as an option off the bench, Ziko doesn't have a secure place in the XI for the Round of 16 clash against Argentina on Tuesday.
Quiet showing up front
Mostafa Ziko generated one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Friday's 1-1 draw versus Iran.
Analysis: Ziko was handed a start up front to give Omar Marmoush a rest but could not replicate his usual game. He worked hard to get into positions to threaten but had little impact on the night, managing only one shot from a corner and one chance created. Despite the quiet outing he is still expected to keep his place in the starting XI given his work rate and his ability to convert chances in the box when they come his way.
Hero against New Zealand
Ziko logged one goal and one assist on four shots (one on goal), two chances created and two crosses (one accurate) during Egypt's 3-1 win Sunday against New Zealand.
Analysis: Compared to Belgium, New Zealand lacking a greatly proven wing (like the Belgian team's Jeremy Doku) meant Ziko's focus can be more offense-oriented, even more so after the All Whites logged an early lead. From an accurate cross by Mohamed Hany, Ziko headed in Egypt's first goal Sunday. For the game's lead, what separated Egypt from New Zealand was a one-two combination featuring both Ziko and Mohamed Salah. The former subsequently assisted his captain less than 10 minutes before getting subbed off for Hamza Abdelkarim. Even with Salah and Omar Marmoush taking up most of Egypt's offense, Ziko has proven that he can be a legitimate threat, just as long as his focus is not on one player, which may still be the case moving forward.
Hard-working wide display
Mostafa Ziko had two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Monday's 1-1 draw against Belgium.
Analysis: Ziko made an immediate impression on his first Egypt call-up by scoring in both friendlies, and coach Hossam Hassan handed him a starting role on the right flank with his defensive discipline and pressing qualities in mind. His night was largely spent helping to suppress Jeremey Doku's threat, but he managed to get himself into goalscoring positions and had two shots, going close to what would have been a deserved goal on the night.
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