‘Best case scenario’: Former Egyptian captains happy with team’s path in knockout stages
CAIRO: Former captains and players of the Egyptian national team across different generations have expressed their delight at Egypt’s progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup and believe facing Australia next Friday could be the best-case scenario in the next round and an opportunity to write a new chapter in the country’s football history.
Wild celebrations broke out across Egypt after the historic qualification to the Round of 32 following a 1-1 draw with Iran on Saturday. The encounter saw the Pharaohs secure second place in Group G with five points, behind leaders Belgium.
The match featured a number of dramatic moments, including VAR’s overturning of what would have been Iran’s second and winning goal in stoppage time. In addition, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan was forced to make substitutions due to injuries to some players, including star man and captain Mohamed Salah.
“The Egyptian national team, under the leadership of coach Hossam Hassan, played as one unit, and they deserved to achieve the best-case scenario. We hope to continue the victories in the next round, provided they maintain the same ambition and spirit,” Gamal Abdel Hamid, who captained Egypt at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, told Arab News.
