Many football fans will have already made up their minds about whom they expect to prevail when Argentina take on Egypt in the Round of 16 of the today. The having journeyed deeper into the tournament than ever before – given their 1934 appearance began and ended with a single last-16 match – but now comes their biggest test yet.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan acknowledges that most people would back Lionel Messi and company to advance but while he understands that position, he also challenged it head-on in his pre-match media duties, insisting his side are fully capable of turning the odds in their favour if his players believe in themselves and concentrate on their own performance rather than the opposition.
“If we ran a poll right now about who will win tomorrow, we all know the majority would favour them because we’re facing one of the game’s giants in Argentina,” said Hassan. “But in the Egypt camp, we have a different conviction and we’d answer that poll differently. Tomorrow’s match won’t be easy for us but it won’t be easy for them either. We have enormous respect for Argentina but we have a goal and we intend to achieve it.”
In the hours leading up to the match, the Pharaohs have been doing everything possible to prepare for the three-time world champions but Hassan believes that playing in a tournament of this magnitude keeps you perpetually sharp for whatever comes your way. “We’re ready for the match – and how could we not be? We’re playing in the Round of 16 at the World Cup against Argentina, the world champions, and against legendary players like Lionel Messi. So yes, we respect Argentina but we fear no-one because you suffer if you spend too much time thinking about the opposition.”
Egypt are unbeaten in their four matches played so far in North America and Hassan expanded on his outlook when adding: “Since taking charge of Egypt, I’ve tried to get the players to focus on themselves, on their style of play and how they impose it on the pitch. We’ve worked on doing things our way without worrying about a country’s reputation or the names on the back of their shirts.”
He cited the 2-1 friendly defeat against Brazil on 6 June when articulating the attitude he wants to see from his players. “We respected them enormously but we didn’t overthink it,” said the coach. “That’s why we’ll carry on with our way of doing things.”
Hassan also said Egypt’s ambitions for this match are clear – and they will take on Argentina without fear. “We have a prime objective in this match, one shared not only by the Egyptian supporters but by all Arab and African people because we’re representing them all here. We have to show the development of Egyptian football out there on the pitch, both tactically and in terms of character, as well as our determination to reach the next round.”
There is no question that playing and making your mark at the FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of any footballer’s ambitions. At least, that is Hassan’s message to spur on his squad. “We’re at the World Cup, and chances like this don’t come around often for players or for coaches,” he asserted. “We have to seize this opportunity to shine and show everyone what we’re made of.”
Although Egypt are the most decorated side in Africa Cup of Nations history with seven titles, their World Cup record has never reflected that pedigree. Hassan believes this tournament is their chance to write a new chapter. “African and Arab football has enormous potential but we’ve been slow to show it so now we’re trying to make up for that. We want to live up to our supporters’ expectations tomorrow.”
All of which suggests that Hassan and his players are mentally and tactically prepared for the biggest match of their lives, giving hope to their supporters back home that they may end the night with another chorus of their famous chant ‘Egypt, how do you do it?’.
Sources: FIFA Official
