Egyptian head coach Hossam Hassan has revealed the halftime conversation that sparked his team's historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver, marking the Pharaohs' first-ever FIFA World Cup win after 92 years of trying.
Halftime Message Ignites Comeback
Trailing 1-0 at the break after Finn Surman's goal and a disallowed strike from Mostafa Ziko, Egypt needed inspiration. Hassan, a former player at the 1990 World Cup, delivered a stern ultimatum to his squad.
“At half-time, I told them we were not going back onto the pitch and then returning to the dressing room after the match unless we were winners,” Hassan told FIFA. “We could not disappoint these people. We could not break the trust and joy of the Egyptian people after everything we have built over the last two years.”
The message resonated. Ziko equalised early in the second half, before captain Mohamed Salah and forward Mahmoud Trezeguet struck to seal the 3-1 win. According to CAF, this was Egypt's first victory at the World Cup, having debuted at the 1934 tournament.
Emotional Victory for Egypt
Celebrations erupted both in Vancouver and across Egypt as the seven-time African champions finally broke their World Cup duck. Hassan emphasised the importance of the fans in driving the team's performance.
“I kept telling the players throughout the last period that the Egyptian people deserve to be happy. They were in the stadium, they were watching in Egypt and everywhere else,” he added. “Young and old, men and women, they all deserve joy and success. I love the Egyptian people very much, and I thank them for their support.”
The win puts Egypt in a strong position to top their group. A draw or win against Iran on the final matchday, combined with other results, could see them become the first Egyptian side to finish top of their group and reach the knockout stage.
Salah Reacts to Historic Win
Captain Mohamed Salah expressed his delight after leading the team to their first World Cup victory. He urged his teammates to build on the momentum and target further history by advancing to the knockout rounds.
Hassan, who also featured for Egypt at the 1990 World Cup, took pride in leading the current generation to this milestone. The Pharaohs' performance has reinvigorated hopes for a deep run in the tournament.
