The pre-match hype plus Egypt's critical state were two significant facts before Saturday's 2-0 win, but won't be taken into consideration in midweek.
The unnecessary grudge, if any existed, between the media at both ends should be forgotten because it is evidential that the differences between the two teams are marginal.
The final standings of Group C show how the competition was fierce between Egypt and Algeria as it is very rare to see two teams level on everything.
It is worth mentioning that only Ivory Coast have amassed more points than the North African duo, and yet one team will not be in South Africa next year.
Egypt deservedly conquered the Dark Continent over the past three years at the time when Algeria have not even made the African Cup of Nations.
However, the Desert Foxes have proven that they are no pushovers by forcing the playoff game, which should be considered an achievement for them.
Now that both teams know that a win, regardless of the number of goals, will take them to the World Cup, a real football epic is on the way.
So there is no need for childish spats anymore.
It is normal that the frenzy of Emad Meteb's remarkable killer should boost the Egyptians' morale ahead of Wednesday's tie, but they also have to know that nothing has been achieved yet.
On the other hand, the Algerians should be aware that they can still save the hard work of more than nine months if they managed to learn from their Cairo defeat.