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Egypt's coach fumes: 'Argentina pressured the referee'
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece /Sports

Egypt's coach fumes: 'Argentina pressured the referee'

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Egypt's national football coach accused Argentina and the referee of bias after a controversial World Cup match loss.
  • The coach claimed Argentina pressured the referee, leading to a disallowed Egyptian goal and an uncalled penalty.
  • Egypt lost 3-2 to Argentina after leading 2-0, missing out on a World Cup quarter-final spot.

Egypt's national football coach Hossam Hassan launched a scathing attack on the referee and accused Argentina of exerting pressure after his team's elimination from the World Cup. The Pharaohs were on the verge of a historic qualification, leading 2-0 against Argentina, but conceded three goals in the final minutes to lose 3-2 and miss out on a quarter-final berth.

It seems there was pressure from Argentina towards the referee, which led to this outcome. Life is unfair. The world is unfair. But why shouldn't there be justice in sports?

โ€” Hossam HassanEgypt's national football coach expressing his belief in external pressure influencing the referee's decisions.

The Egyptian team protested a disallowed goal that would have given them a 2-0 lead, citing a foul at the start of the play. They also believe a penalty should have been awarded against Mohamed Salah just before Argentina's comeback, but the referee did not call it.

Hassan expressed his anger, suggesting Argentina's path in the tournament was predetermined. "It seems there was pressure from Argentina towards the referee, which led to this outcome. Life is unfair. The world is unfair. But why shouldn't there be justice in sports?" he stated. "The referee is unjust. God is enough for me, and he is the best administrator of affairs. It wastes the efforts of an entire nation. The cup is destined for Argentina."

The referee is unjust. God is enough for me, and he is the best administrator of affairs. It wastes the efforts of an entire nation. The cup is destined for Argentina.

โ€” Hossam HassanEgypt's national football coach criticizing the referee and suggesting the World Cup is rigged for Argentina.

He also criticized the match scheduling, calling it illogical. "Whoever schedules these matches is someone who has never played football. You never schedule a football match at 12 noon," Hassan added, referring to the midday heat.

Whoever schedules these matches is someone who has never played football. You never schedule a football match at 12 noon.

โ€” Hossam HassanEgypt's national football coach criticizing the timing of the match.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.