Egypt's national football coach Hossam Hassan said the team's opening match against Belgium in the upcoming World Cup will be the most difficult game in Group G, which he described as highly competitive [1, 2]. Egypt is preparing for its fourth World Cup appearance and will open the group stage on June 15 against Belgium, before facing New Zealand and Iran [1, 2].
Hassan expressed disappointment over Egypt’s 2-1 loss to Brazil in their final warm-up friendly on June 4. Despite the loss, he said he was satisfied with the team’s performance. "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, referring to Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion [1, 2].
Brazil's goals were scored by Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Lyon forward Endrick, while Egypt’s lone goal came from Zico [1, 2]. Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s key forward, played the second half against Brazil and looked to be in good form following rehabilitation with Liverpool and the Egyptian national team. "Salah underwent a rehabilitation program with Liverpool and then with the national team, and he is now ready for matches," Hassan said [1].
Hossam Hassan, who played in the 1990 World Cup, acknowledged the challenge Egypt faces in Group G, calling the group strong and highly competitive [1, 2]. Egypt is a seven-time African Cup champion and is looking to make an impact on the global stage.
Egypt’s opening match against Belgium on June 15 is the first step toward advancing from the group stage. After that, they are slated to face New Zealand and Iran as the group competition continues [1, 2].