Hossam Hassan, the technical director of the Egyptian national team, stressed that "no Egyptian is afraid of anyone" before facing Argentina in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The Egyptian national team meets Argentina in the round of 16 after winning against Australia on penalties and the latter's win over Cape Verde after reaching extra time.
The Egyptian national team coach said via MBC Egypt channel: "Proud of my team's players and we were the better side, and Marmoush almost scored a goal at the beginning of the second half, and after the equalizer we were able to play a one-sided match and we pressured Australia and they retreated to their defensive areas".
He added "We played until the last second to win the match with control and possession and we outperformed Australia in everything".
He continued "Salah and the technical staff crying due to the pressures, we aim to please the Egyptian people around the world".
He stressed "Happy with Salah and happy with my thinking to change his position in a short time and we provided him with solutions, changing Salah's position was not a coincidence but I gave him physical and psychological rest to present the best thing and add to the team during his presence on the field, and I think they in Europe did not rely on him in this position".
He concluded about facing Messi saying: "No Egyptian is afraid of anyone", we know our opponents and respect them and we will strive and take the means, and we will study the entire team whether with Messi or without him, and we have ambition and why not win and I have loyal players".
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The Egyptian national team qualified for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup finals at the expense of Australia, achieving the best achievement in the history of Egyptian football globally.
The Egyptian national team won against Australia 4-2 on penalties, after the regular time and extra two halves ended in a 1-1 draw on Dallas Stadium.
Imam Ashour scored the Egyptian national team's goal, while Mohamed Hany scored the equalizer for Australia by mistake in his own net.
