‘The word Messi can scare some footballers’ – How Egypt boss avoided frightening team talk ahead of World Cup last-16 clash with Argentine GOAT

Hassan remained defiant regarding his team’s performance, but he was less than complimentary about the match officials. The Egypt boss suggested that the pressure of the occasion and the reputation of their opponents influenced the decisions that went against his side, including a disallowed goal and a rejected penalty appeal.

Reflecting on the grit shown by the holders, some observers noted that Argentina’s ability to survive by the skin of their teeth was a marker of champions. Hassan, however, felt the external factors were too great to overcome, stating that the referee “generated tension” and distracted his players from their technical execution during the high-stakes knockout encounter.