馃嚜馃嚞EgyptNorth Africa
Mexico's Erik Lira optimistic after World Cup opening win against South Africa
via Egypt Today2 min read
Mexico midfielder Erik Lira expressed confidence in his team's potential, stating "the sky is the limit" after their 2-0 victory over South Africa in the World Cup opener at Azteca Stadium. Mexico secured the win with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, despite playing with 10 men after captain Cesar Montes received a red card. This marked Mexico's first victory in a World Cup opening match after seven previous attempts. Lira, who provided an assist, noted the emotional difficulty of the match but highlighted the team's mental preparation. The game also set a record for the most red cards in a World Cup opening fixture, with three dismissals. Lira emphasized the importance of securing the three points and preparing for their next match against South Korea in Group A.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Egypt is at a crucial point in its digital transformation, focusing on artificial intelligence to drive economic value. The country's National AI Strategy aims to increase AI's contribution to its GDP to over $42.7 billion by 2030, representing about 7.5% of total economic output. This ambition is set against a global backdrop where AI is expected to contribute approximately $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030 and increase global trade flows by nearly 40% by 2040. While Egypt has made progress in digitizing government services and expanding digital payment infrastructure, the challenge now is to move beyond basic digitization to achieve measurable economic impact through AI adoption. Ayman Agha, an AI and digital transformation expert, emphasizes that simply automating processes is not enough; integrating AI solutions creates real added value by enabling predictive models and reshaping business models. However, significant barriers remain, including data readiness, infrastructure limitations, and organizational commitment to scaling AI initiatives beyond pilot projects. Despite these challenges, AI adoption is advancing in specific sectors, with examples like Vodafone Egypt improving customer service and financial services reducing operating costs through AI. Mohamed Azzam, Board Member at the International Association of Management of Technology, highlights that economic sovereignty depends on owning technology, not just adopting it, urging investment in local AI capa
Czech Republic coach Miroslav Koubek stated that the better team won after his side's 2-1 defeat to South Korea in their World Cup opening match. Despite the loss, which ended a six-match unbeaten streak for the Czechs, Koubek praised his players' effort. He noted that while the team made mistakes and faced a very fast opponent, they also created opportunities. Koubek emphasized the need for his team to be more attacking and creative in the final 30 meters, particularly in the attack. Ladislav Krejci scored for the Czechs with a header, but Hwang In-beom equalized, and Oh Hyeon-gyu secured the win for South Korea. Koubek also mentioned that key players like Patrik Schick and Pavel Sulc, who were substituted due to exhaustion in the warm weather, need to contribute more. The Czechs are set to play South Africa next on June 18. Despite the defeat, Koubek found positives in Alexandr Sojka's midfield performance, who earned his first competitive cap. He also addressed the team's travel schedule, acknowledging that while not ideal, it is part of the tournament plan.
BreakingU.S. President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of scheduled airstrikes against Iran after negotiations reached an advanced stage with the highest levels of Iranian leadership. Trump stated on Truth Social that discussions and final points have been approved by all involved parties, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt. He also noted that the naval blockade will remain in effect until the transaction is finalized, with the signing time and place to be announced soon.