Arabic version: مدرب مصر يدعم إيران قبل مواجهة كأس العالم

Hossam Hassan, the head coach of Egypt, has expressed his support for the Iranian team before their crucial FIFA World Cup match in Seattle on Friday. His comments come in response to ongoing criticism regarding Iran’s scheduling and travel restrictions imposed by the tournament’s cohosts, the United States. According to Al Jazeera, Hassan emphasized the importance of fair treatment for all teams participating in the tournament.

During a news conference, Hassan stated that all teams have the right to equal treatment, reflecting FIFA’s principles of respect and fair play. He expressed his respect for the Iranian team, highlighting the shared values among all competitors. “Respect and fair play mean everyone should respect everyone,” he noted, wishing luck to both teams as they prepare for their decisive group-stage clash.

Iran’s team has faced significant challenges, having established their training camp in Mexico while playing all matches on the US West Coast. US authorities recently eased travel restrictions, allowing the Iranian squad to arrive in Seattle one day earlier than in previous matches. Iran’s manager, Amir Ghalenoei, pointed out that the travel policies have impacted his team’s fitness and preparations, stating, “This was our right, which we should have had in the two previous games, but they deprived us of the right to arrive on time.”

Both coaches acknowledged the historical significance of their teams, with Ghalenoei emphasizing the pride both nations take in their ancient civilizations. He also noted the strength of the Egyptian team, including star player Mohamed Salah, while insisting that they would not solely focus on him. Egypt currently leads their group with four points, while Iran sits in second with two points, making this match crucial for both teams’ chances of advancing in the tournament.