Egypt coach wants team to maintain identity in World Cup clash against Argentina

The Pharaohs have breached new heights, reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time and then beating Australia in a penalty shoot-out in the last-32 encounter.

Hassan acknowledged the challenge that his team will face when they take on 2022 World Cup champions Argentina, led by 39-year-old superstar Lionel Messi, but stressed that Egypt's preparations have centered on maintaining their style and principles.

The Egypt mentor also revealed that difficult weather conditions had disrupted the team's preparations, with heavy rain forcing changes to the training schedule.

"We respected Belgium, New Zealand and Iran (in the group stages), but we always focused on ourselves," Hassan said. "That will not change against Argentina. We want to impose our style of play.

"There has been very little time between matches and the weather affected our preparations but the players have responded well. The coaching staff, medical team and players have all worked together to manage the recovery process."

Hassan said his players understand the importance of the occasion and the opportunity to represent both Egypt and the African continent on the world stage.

"We are playing for Egypt, for the Arab world and for Africa," he said. "That is our motivation. A FIFA World Cup is an opportunity that does not come around often for players or coaches.

"We want to show what Egyptian football is capable of and continue representing African football in the best possible way."

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