BORO midfielder Shawky believes Egypt can overcome the odds and beat fierce rivals Algeria by three clear goals today to claim their place in the World Cup finals.

The game, in Cairo, is a 74,000 sellout and some reports claim the Egypt players are on US$300,000 to pull off what would be a famous victory.

"We hope we can do it but we know it will be hard," said Shawky. "Algeria are a good team but we are at home so we have a chance.

"It's a home game that we must win, so I think we have to attack as much as we can. It's up to us."

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The Pharaohs trail by three points in Group C and Algeria will guarantee their place in South Africa 2010 if they get anything better than a 1-0 defeat.

But if Egypt beat Algeria by a two-goal margin, the two sides will be inseparable and there will be a play-off game at a neutral ground on November 18 and Shawky believes that's the right way to decide the outcome.

"That would be fair," he said. "I don't know where it would be played but it would need to be a neutral location."

Shawky heads away from Italy's Fabio Cannavaro during a Confederations Cup game in South Africa

Shawky has not featured in the Boro first team squad this season but is a key player for Egypt and has represented them in the last two Africa Cup of Nations final campaigns, which each ended in success.

Playing in next summer's finals would mean everything to the 28-year-old former Al-Ahly man.

"It would be the highlight of my career - not just my career, but for all of us," he said. "It would be very special so we know there's so much to play for."

Mido celebrates his goal against Spurs in front of the North Stand - Photo-North News and Pictures

Meanwhile, fellow Boro Pharaoh Mido's hopes that his first goal for Zamalek would enhance his chances of returning to the national squad have been dashed.

The on loan striker had said he was so keen to join in the action that he'd even take part as a ball boy!

"I am really hoping to be recalled by Egypt and help my country beat Algeria and reach the World Cup," Mido said after scoring in the 1-1 draw with Al-Gouna.

"I am always eager to serve my country, even if I contribute as a ball boy!"

Mido's last game for his country was a disappointing 1-1 qualifying draw with Zambia in Cairo back in March.