A true sleeping giant of world football Egypt can come alive in Russia. The most successful team in Africa with 7 African Cup of Nations titles, Egypt has been waiting for a next chance at the World Cup for quite some time. Egyptian clubs are also the strongest in Africa, dominating the African Champions League over the years. Al Ahly and Zamalek are the African versions of Real Madrid and Barcelona and they are both Egyptian. African World Cup qualifying is easily the most competitive. Out of 54 possible teams only 5 qualify. Egypt has recently failed to qualify on goal difference for the 2010 tournament and for the 2014 tournament a Bob Bradley led Egypt won every 7 of their 8 qualification games and still missed out on Brazil. 

Mohamed Salah is the undisputed star and leader of the team. The African Footballer of the Year and Premier League Footballer of Year lead the whole of Africa in goals 2014 qualifying and did so again to send his team to this World Cup. Salah's winning penalty to send Egypt to the World Cup as already solidified his God-like status in Egypt and with the season he just had teams would need a plan to deal with his blinding speed. 

West Brom's Ahmed Hegazi was one of the Baggies few bright spots this season despite being relegated. Ahmed El Mohamady has been putting in workmanlike performances in England for a few seasons well and Mohamed Elneny would seek to impress new Arsenal manager Unai Emery with some solid performances in June/July. At 45 years old Essam El Hadary is expected to be the oldest player at the tournament, Egypt captain even at that age will start for the Pharaohs.

Head Coach: Héctor Cúper

Population: 97 million

Appearances: 3

Best: Group Stage

How they Qualified: In a tough group containing Uganda, Congo and Ghana(the team that eliminated them in the last cycle), Egypt finished top. All the games were tightly contested. Egypt's only loss came away to a Ugandan team who has worked hard to develop its football. 

Star Players: Mohamed Salah(Liverpool), Mohamed Elneny(Arsenal), Abdallah El-Said(Manchester City), Ahmed Hegazi(West Brom), Ahmed El Mohamady(Aston Villa)

Wildcard: Trezeguet -The Turkish based winger isn't always the first choice for Héctor Cúper. The former Valencia manager, however, does know what the 23-year-old can bring to Egyptian cause. After a rough introduction to European football with Anderlecht, Trezeguet has found a home in Turkey with Kasimpasa and his 12 goals this season has alerted some of Europe's bigger leagues. 

Legend:Mohamed Aboutrika