Mustafa Zico, the Egyptian national team player, expressed his deep sadness after the loss suffered by the Pharaohs in the match against Argentina, as part of the round of 16 encounters in the 2026 World Cup.
Zico appeared in tears after the Egypt-Argentina match, directing his thanks to all Egyptian fans who supported the Egyptian national team in the tournament, whether in Egypt or in the United States of America.
Zico's statements
Zico said in tears in statements via beIN Sports: "Praise be to God, what God wills comes to pass. The match was difficult, yet we delivered a very great performance against the world champion. There were some things that happened in the second half that were as clear as day to everyone; the tournament is directed and the referee was unjust."
He added: "I thank the fans and the Egyptian people here and in Egypt. We had hoped to bring joy to the fans and reach the farthest point in the tournament, but I am proud of every Egyptian player who participated in the tournament. I thank the whole world and apologize to everyone for the loss."
Zico concluded his statements, saying: "We were not afraid of anything, and that showed in that match, the second half. We carried out many successful counterattacks. I am proud of every individual and every player, and it is an honor for me and the Egyptian public to exit in this manner. We wanted to reach something far, but what God wills comes to pass."
The Egyptian national team lost its match against Argentina in the round of 16 of the World Cup by a score of 3-2, after the Pharaohs came close to qualifying following a two-goal lead until the final minutes of the second half.
