Egypt were “lied” in World Cup defeat by Argentina, coach Hassan says | World Cup 2026 news

‘Maybe they want the national champions to be in the tournament,’ Hassan said after his team was released.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan says his side were “cheated” out of the World Cup quarter-finals after Argentina came back from 2-0 down late to win 3-2 in the last 16 in Atlanta.

The Pharaohs started as youngsters but took the lead against the world’s best within 15 minutes, which was increased in the second half before Argentina’s victory on Tuesday.

“I don’t want to be clear and talk about luck. We were unfairly lied to today; we were treated unfairly,” Hassan said in a post-match press conference.

Egypt had Mostafa Zico’s goal disallowed as they took a 1-0 lead when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened to call for a foul on Lisandro Martinez earlier.

Zico then put Egypt on top of the last eight for the first time and doubled their lead.

However, the defenders hit back as Cristian Romero reduced the rebound and Lionel Messi, who had been saved in the first half, broke the deadlock with his eighth goal of the tournament.

The controversy did not end there, as in preparation for Argentina’s winner Enzo Fernandez, Egypt believed he should instead have been awarded a penalty for pulling down Alexis Mac Allister on Hamdy Fathy.

“We have never seen respect or fair play. There has been no respect or fair play,” Hassan said.

“The penalty was not confirmed, it was not checked by VAR. The second goal was disallowed in a strange way. There was no VAR check when we all saw the picture of the (shirt) being removed.”

Hassan said that he will not watch the match again, because of the injustice he feels.

“I will not continue to follow the matches of this World Cup,” he added.

“This is my way of talking.”

‘They wanted Messi to stay’

After Yasser Ibrahim’s header put Egypt ahead, Argentina were awarded a penalty through Nicolas Tagliafico.

Messi’s World Cup penalty woes continued as his effort was saved by Mostafa Shobeir.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has now failed to score four of his eight World Cup non-scoring goals, including two misses in the tournament.

Hassan thought that the officials had forced them to keep one of the most popular players in the tournament.

“Maybe they want to keep the world champions in the tournament. Maybe they want Messi to stay in the tournament,” he told BeIN Sports.

“In football, sometimes there are external factors that override talent. Players from all over the world receive support at every level.”

Egypt attacked surprisingly early in the game, moving away from Hassan’s usual style of playing a tight defense and looking for attacking opportunities.

It helped them take an early lead, but it was goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir’s heroics that ensured they were in front at half time.

“I am satisfied with the efforts they have made. Most of our players are from the Egyptian league, while most of the players in other countries’ teams live in Europe and live in successful places,” said Hassan.

“But with local players in particular – including Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush – we were able to compete with anyone.”

Hassan also complained about the match being scheduled to kick off at noon (16:00 GMT), four days after both sides won 32 matches.

“Those who organize the game have never played football, you don’t organize a game at 12 o’clock in the afternoon.

“When should the players eat? 7:30am?

“There has been a lot to be asked on and off the field.”