"Salah ready for matches...": Egypt coach Hassan ahead of FIFA WC
Cairo, June 7
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said that star striker Mohamed Salah is ready for the FIFA World Cup matches, after the veteran featured in the second half of his side's loss to Brazil in the pre-WC friendly.
Brazil continued their preparations for the 2026 FIFA WC in impressive fashion, securing a 2-1 victory over Egypt in their final warm-up match in Cleveland and extending their winning streak to three matches. Salah was one of the players introduced by Egypt on the pitch after the second half. Salah, who recently ended his stint with English football giants Liverpool, had injured his hamstring during the Premier League season. But still returned to action, making his last Liverpool appearance on May 24 against Brentford at Anfield.
Speaking to the reporters, as quoted by Reuters on Salah's fitness, Hassan said, Salah underwent a rehabilitation program with Liverpool and then with the national team, and he is now ready for matches."
The seven-time African champions will kickstart their World Cup campaign against Belgium on June 15 in Seattle, before clashes against New Zealand and Iran. The coach said that the campaign opener will be "extremely difficult".
"The opening match against Belgium at the World Cup will be extremely difficult, and the group is strong and highly competitive," said Hassan, who was a part of Egypt's 1990 WC squad.
Following the loss to Brazil, he said, "he feels saddened" and does not like losing.
"I do not like losing, and I am saddened by the defeat to Brazil, even though they are one of the biggest teams in the world," he said. "We faced a strong and outstanding team in the final match before the World Cup," he signed off.
After a seventh-minute goal from Bruno Guimaraes, Mostafa Ziko levelled the scores in the 11th minute, before Endrick hit the winning goal for Brazil in the 52nd minute.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I feel for Egypt. Even with Salah, their group is brutal. Belgium is a top contender, and Iran always punches above their weight. But kudos to Hossam Hassan for being honest about the loss—no excuses, just respect for Brazil. That's the spirit we need more of in sports. 🙌
As a neutral fan, I'm just happy to see Salah back on the pitch. The guy is a legend—pure class. Egypt might not advance from that group, but with Mo leading the line, you never know. Also, Endrick scoring for Brazil? That kid is going to be a superstar. 🔥
Egypt's problem isn't just Salah's fitness—it's their defense! Two goals conceded to Brazil in a friendly, and one of them was a worldie from Endrick. They'll need to tighten up against Belgium. But I respect Hassan's honesty. In India, we often see coaches sugarcoat losses. This is refreshing. Arre yaar, kya baat hai! 👏
Sad to see Egypt lose, but honestly, Brazil is on another level right now. That team is stacked with young talent like Endrick and experienced players like Bruno Guimaraes. Still, Salah coming back from injury is huge for Egypt. He's their talisman. Let's see if he can pull off a miracle in Seattle! 🏆
I don't think Egypt has a realistic chance against Belgium, but that's okay. The World Cup is about competing with the best. What I admire is
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