Egypt will be eyeing a quarter-final place at the World Championship for the first time since 2001 when they meet Germany in the tournament's round of 16 on Moday.
After being paired in a tough group alongside European heavyweights France, Sweden and Iceland, African champions Algeria and resilient Czech Republic, few predicted that the Pharaohs would make it this far.
But Egypt turned heads by producing a string of superb displays during the tournament, securing a place in the competition's second round.
The team started their campaign in style, thrashing Algeria 34-20 before losing 28-24 to European champions France after putting up a brave fight.
Egypt secured a place in the tournament's second round after claiming their second win in the competition at the expense of the Czech Republic, 27-24, earning their first win against a European side since 2001 when they defeated Russia in the quarters.
Despite producing their best performance in the tournament, Ahmed El-Ahmar and his teammates were held to a 25-25 draw by European heavyweights Sweden before losing to Iceland 28-25.
The loss sent Egypt to fourth place in the group, offering them a tough game in the Round 16 against Germany.
Germany, who got a wild card after failing to qualify to the world tournament, were paired in the competition's toughest group with Russia, Denmark, Poland, Argentina and Saudi Arabia.
Despite the toughness of their group, Germany ended their first round campaign at the top of Group D after four wins and one draw.
Germany are characterised by a solid defense, benefitting from the tall height of the team's players. But Germany's real power remains their talented wingers who made strong displays in the tournament so far.
On the other hand, Egypt depend on a solid defense and the heroic performances of keeper Karim Hindawi, who appears one of the best keepers in the tournament.
"Germany are a very strong team but we don'tt fear any opponent," Egypt's coach Marwan Ragab said Sunday.
"Our target is to regain our position as one the world's heavyweights."
Egypt's superb displays at the World Championship prompted the usually football-mad fans in the country to enthusiastically follow their national handball team. Their best achievement was a fourth-place finish at the 2001 edition in France.
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