Karim Hafez, the Egyptian national team player, explained the reason for his substitution during the match against Australia in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
Karim Hafez
Club: Pyramids
The Egyptian national team defeated Australia in a match in which Karim Hafez participated as a starter until the 80th minute.
Karim Hafez said via On Sport: "Mustafa Zico and Ibrahim Adel told me that I would create a goal or score during the match against Australia".
He added, "I thank all the players because they encouraged me before the match as I was playing my first match in the tournament, and I wish Fattouh a speedy recovery".
He concluded, "Thank God I suffered a mild strain during the match against Australia, and requested substitution so as not to suffer a greater injury".
FilGoal.com revealed that Karim Hafez is ready for the match against Argentina, after suffering simple muscle fatigue that did not require an X-ray and is ready to participate in the match normally.
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Let's relive the historical moments π€©
β FilGoal (@FilGoal) July 3, 2026
Full penalty kicks of the Egypt vs Australia match πͺπ¬βpic.twitter.com/j2c8JA0dd9
Karim was injured in the 80th minute against Australia and was replaced by Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet" who completed the match as left back.
The 30-year-old has played 11 international matches for the Egyptian national team since his first appearance in 2015.
Egypt defeated Australia in the round of 32 on penalties after the match ended 1-1.
The Egyptian national team suffered in the left-back position as Ahmed Fattouh suffered a muscle injury against Iran in the group stage.
The Egypt match against Argentina will be held at Atlanta Stadium next Tuesday, July 7, at seven in the evening Cairo time.
