Egypt vs Algeria Before Game Ad for Go EGYPT P4

World Cup: Egypt vs. Algeria, its more than soccer Tensions between Algeria and Egypt remain high in the wake of Saturday’s World Cup match. Gamal Mubarak, Egypt's political heir apparent, is a big soccer fan. The next match: Wednesday. By Ursula Lindsey Egyptian soccer fans celebrate Egypt's 2-0 win over Algeria, in the streets of the Mohandessin district of Cairo, after their World Cup qualifier match in Cairo, Egypt, Saturday. (Ben Curtis/AP) Enlarge Photos (1 of 1) World Cup: Egypt vs. Algeria, its more than soccer Tensions between Algeria and Egypt remain high in the wake of Saturday's World Cup match. Gamal Mubarak, Egypt's political heir apparent, is a big soccer fan. The next match: Wednesday. By Ursula Lindsey Correspondent 11.15.09 * Print this * Buzz up! * Email and share * Republish * Get e-mail alerts * RSS CAIRO The nexus of politics and soccer is not a new one. In most nations, the passion for ones team is unifying force, a nationalistic Super Glue which politicians have long tried to use to their advantage. In 1969, tensions between El Salvador and Honduras after soccer matches erupted into a real four-day military conflict. It was known as the Soccer War. When Barcelona beat Manchester United in the European Champions League in May, it wasnt just a victory Spains second biggest city, it was an affirmation of Catalonias autonomy and supremacy. In that sense, Egypt is no different. With Egypts a 2-0 victory over Algeria on Saturday, the Pharaohs revived their chances of participating in the 2010 World Cup. After their victory, Egyptian fans poured into the streets, playing drums, swinging home-made flamethrowers, and blocking traffic. The public disorder was tolerated by a regime that is more used to seeing strikes for wages and benefits, these days, than outpourings of national pride. Egyptian authorities understand that football is the religion of the people. They want to show they care and get s...