Egypt coach launches furious attack on officiating after defeat to Argentina
Egypt were knocked out of the World Cup 3-2 by Argentina, who came back from two goals down.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan lashed out at the officiating and FIFA in his post-match analysis after Argentina knocked the north African side out, coming back from two goals down.
“We outplayed them in every aspect. The result was influenced by factors behind the scenes, and before the match it seems pressure was put on the referee from Argentina, and this was the result. We paid the price. We did everything right and ended up suffering. We deserved to win. Even so, we leave with our heads held high. There was no fair play, there was no respect. A penalty was ignored that should have been reviewed by VAR, and the second goal was surprisingly disallowed for some reason.”
He continued:
“Everyone saw that shirt pull, and VAR didn’t even step in to check whether the goal should have been ruled out. Why is there no justice in soccer? I can’t accept this result. I can’t accept the way this match unfolded. We were treated unfairly. We suffered an injustice. I dare say that whoever scheduled these matches has never played soccer, because you never schedule a match at noon. At noon you go for a walk or have brunch. It’s not the right time to play a match. There are too many questionable elements.”
Hassan also criticized the kickoff time:
“Why schedule a match at noon when there are only two games? One could be played at 6 p.m. and the other at 10 p.m. We leave with our heads held high, but what happened today shows a lack of credibility, and I’m proud of my players. We can compete with any opponent as long as justice is done. I told the referee that maybe he had something to hide. I don’t know whether he’s hiding something we don’t know about. I promise you I won’t watch another World Cup match. That’s my way of standing up to this situation. I won’t watch another game in this tournament.”
Egypt’s Zico: “The tournament is rigged...”
Mostafa Zico came within touching distance of becoming the hero of an entire nation. The 29-year-old forward scored twice in the match: Egypt’s second goal and the goal that was later disallowed. After Argentina’s comeback, he vented his frustration.
“It was unfair. The referee threw away the effort of an entire nation.”
Clearly furious, Zico switched from speaking in fluent English, describing the match as “unfair,” to Arabic before making a blunt accusation:
“The tournament is rigged. No matter what happens, Argentina is going to win.”
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