Egypt in Street Child World Cup with a goal that extends beyond the posts

Youssef is a 15-year-old Egyptian with dimples and dark eyes and a smile warmer than the desert sun. Four years ago, he was sleeping on the littered streets of Cairo, making shoes for 12 hours a day and US$4.50 (Dh16) a week. Today he is in Brazil, captaining his country at the Street Child World Cup. He is giggling so giddily that at one point during our conversation he falls off his chair. Youssef is, like all 230 children taking part in this 10-day tournament, proof that sport can rehabilitate; that football can provide a greater goal to aim for. During the past year, Youssef and his teammates have learnt not only how to play the beautiful game, but also what it feels like to be...