Egypt Coach Furious with Referee, Insists Officiating Unfair to Pharaohs

Egypt's Head Coach Hossam Hassan declared he will not watch any further World Cup matches, blaming refereeing errors for his team's heartbreaking elimination by Argentina. The Pharaohs were agonizingly close to securing one of the tournament's greatest upsets, leading the holders 2-0 with just 11 minutes remaining in their last 16 clash, only to concede three goals in the closing stages.

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I’m going home and won’t be watching any more games from the tournament. What happened to us wasn’t fair. We should have had a penalty, a goal was disallowed, and I don’t know why it was disallowed.

Hassan insisted his team was superior and that the outcome was unfair. "What happened to us wasn’t fair. We should have had a penalty, a goal was disallowed, and I don’t know why it was disallowed," he stated at a press conference. Egypt had a goal disallowed by VAR in the 62nd minute due to a foul in the buildup, and they also claimed a late penalty for a tug on Hamdy Fathy. Their anger intensified as Argentina scored the winning goal in the 92nd minute.

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Even if the goals came from mistakes, the biggest mistake is not getting what you’re entitled to from those responsible for making the decisions.

"Even if the goals came from mistakes, the biggest mistake is not getting what you’re entitled to from those responsible for making the decisions," Hassan lamented. He conveyed his disappointment to the fans but expressed happiness with his players' adherence to the game plan and their strong performance. "I’m the type of person who hates losing. And when it’s a defeat that feels unjust like today’s, I can only tell the fans not to be upset. We wanted so much to give them more joy," he added.

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I’m the type of person who hates losing. And when it’s a defeat that feels unjust like today’s, I can only tell the fans not to be upset. We wanted so much to give them more joy.

Hassan also highlighted his team's competitive spirit, noting that most of their players come from the Egyptian domestic league. "Yet with predominantly local players, besides Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, we were able to compete with anyone," he said, expressing satisfaction with the effort put in by his squad.

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I’m very, very satisfied with the effort they put in. Most of our players come from the Egyptian domestic league, while many players in other national teams are based in Europe and live in that professional environment. Yet with predominantly local players, besides Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, we were able to compete with anyone.