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THE VIEW FROM THE MIDDLE EAST
Abdulaziz Abuhamar, Superkoora.com
Boro's FA Cup defeat against Championship side Cardiff City was not just a disaster for the crowds at the Riverside, it was also a nightmare for Boro fans elsewhere in the world, particularly here in the Middle East.
Tens of thousands of Egyptian football fans wanted to see Mido and Shawky show their skills for Middlesbrough in the FA Cup Final in May.
But their dreams went the same way as those of a club that has seen a greater popularity amongst Egypt's youngsters this season.
The entire squad failed to make an impression in the Cardiff clash and the players seemed to lack stamina.
Boro boss Gareth Southgate clearly did little to motivate his side for the game. Furthermore, each player acted individually rather than as part of a team. This meant that Boro failed to score, or indeed create a decent shot on goal.
The sentiment in Egypt is that Mido did little to pay Middlesbrough back for the faith they showed in him. The £5.5m hitman is obviously struggling to regain full fitness and top form but it seems to be a painstakingly slow process.
Mido needs to do less talking off the pitch and more talking on it. His role is important to Middlesbrough but it is possibly Mido himself who is creating this off the pitch media hype by speaking to the press so readily.
By missing a rare opportunity to play at Wembley, Boro fans need to have their faith restored in the squad. This means that they need to see them power up the Premier League table and finish the season strongly.
The Boro are not yet safe from relegation but the team boasts some top quality players and this should see them through. It would be shame to talk about relegation as the Boro fans need no more talk or walk of shame.
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