Egypt's versatile defender Omar Gaber says the Pharaohs aim to reach the semifinal at the 2018 World Cup, which will kick off in Russia in June, insisting that harmony among players is the secret behind the team's recent success.

"We can win the World Cup title. We will work hard for that target or at least to reach the semifinal alongside Germany, Brazil and Spain and to end the tournament at third place. We work to reach the furthest point," Gaber told MBC Masr TV Channel on Friday.

"The strategy of our coach Hector Cuper leads us to success; which I hope to continue," he added.

Egypt, who recently lost to Portugal and Greece in two friendly matches, reached the World Cup finals after ending a 28-year old drought.

"The harmony between players is the reason behind the team's success," explained Gaber who currently plays in the Major League Soccer after joining Los Angeles FC club in the winter transfer window on loan from Swiss side Basel.

"We played together in the different national team ranks. I am happy to be part of this generation that made a great achievement by reaching the African Cup of Nations semifinal after missing the last three editions, and also reaching the World Cup [qualification] finals," he added.

Gaber also heaped praise on national team and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, saying: "He is a very respectable player and is one of the best five players in the World. He was under many pressures, but he managed to overcome them all successfully."

The 25-year-old Gaber is yet to make his debut at the MLS league, which kicked off on 31 March, as he suffers from an injury that he picked up during the loss to Greece in Egypt's recent preparatory camp in Switzerland.

"I asked to leave Basel to find more chances to play regularly. Playing at the MLS is a good step and working under former Egypt coach Bob Bradley prompted me to accept Los Angeles FC’s offer despite having two other ones," the player concluded.

Egypt have been placed in Group A at the World Cup along with hosts Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

The team is due to hold another training camp ahead of the World Cup where they will first play Kuwait and then Belgium. A third match will be against South American powerhouses Colombia on 1 June in Milan.

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