Tuesday, July 7
•Egypt Vs Argentina – 7pm
•Switzerland Vs Colombia – 11pm
Watch all the knockout matches of the FIFA World Cup on DStv, with unmatched coverage across four dedicated channels, 24/7 broadcasting, and multiple languages
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan insists his side are not afraid of defending champions Argentina as the two nations prepare to meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup last 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, enter the tie as favourites, having won the previous edition of the tournament.
Egypt, meanwhile, are making history after reaching the knockout stage for the first time, having never won a World Cup match before this campaign.
Despite the challenge ahead, Hassan believes his team can compete with the best.
“My dreams have no limits. My ambitions have no limits. I promise that we will do everything to live up to the expectations of our fans,” Hassan said.
“We are not underdogs. We are big in every respect. We are a civilisation that is 7,000 years old, even more than 7,000 years.”
Hassan acknowledged Argentina’s quality but insisted Egypt will approach the match with confidence and focus.
“We know we are playing against the World Cup holders and one of the greatest players ever [Messi], but we do not fear them,” he added.
“The responsibility makes us focus on ourselves and what we can produce on the field. We have a responsibility towards Egypt, the Arab world and Africa. We represent all of them.”
Egypt booked their place in the last 16 after overcoming Australia on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw at Dallas Stadium.
The Pharaohs took the lead through Emam Ashour before Australia levelled when Mohamed Hany scored an own goal in the second half. Neither side could find a winner in extra time, despite Egypt creating the better opportunities.
Mahmoud Saber, Rami Rabia, Mohamed Salah and Hossam Abdel-Maguid converted their penalties for Egypt, while Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed for Australia as the Pharaohs secured one of the biggest moments in their World Cup history.
Argentina, meanwhile, narrowly avoided an upset against debutants Cape Verde in the last 32, surviving a major scare to progress to the knockout stage.
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