Egypt’s Hossam Hassan Commends Morocco as Experienced World Cup Team

Rabat – Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan commended Morocco as an experienced team, recalling their several journeys in the World Cup.

Hassan made his remarks in a press conference ahead of his team’s Round of 16 game against Australia, which is taking place tonight.

“There are teams that have participated in the World Cup more than once, and the brotherly team, the Moroccan team, is experienced in the previous World Cup,” Hassan said.

He also hailed Morocco’s experienced players, especially in tournaments like the World Cup, stating: “Their players—the least experienced among them has played in two or three World Cup tournaments.”

Moroccans are accustomed to similar remarks from commentators and renowned coaches since the 2022 World Cup, when the Atlas Lions reached the semifinals, becoming the first Arab and African team to achieve the feat.

Several teams recognize Morocco as a football powerhouse, including coaches of opponent teams that locked horns with the national team in the first rounds of the tournament.

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman, who resigned after his team’s loss to Morocco, commended the Atlas Lions, stating that they showed significant improvement, including on a tactical level in how they approach matches.

He also highlighted how Morocco produces excellent young talent that continues to develop while playing for major clubs in Europe. According to Koeman, the Moroccan national team’s FIFA World Rankings reflects sustained progress rather than a one-time achievement. 

Hassan is gearing up for the Egypt vs. Australia game, which will take place tonight at 7 p.m.

Commenting on his team’s preparedness, Hassan said that his team has developed a distinct identity and philosophy over the past two years, and that the technical staff studies every detail of the opponent.

He said he has great confidence in all of his 26 selected players, affirming that his squad does not rely on a single individual but works as a collective unit.

He said the team is accustomed to facing various footballing styles and physically strong opponents, recalling Egypt’s encounters with strong opponents like Belgium and Iran.