"Write a New Page of History": Hossam Hassan and Egypt Chase the Quarterfinals in Atlanta

Egypt Head Coach Hossam Hassan Knows The Path In Front Of Him As Argentina Awaits (Photo Courtesy: SDH Network)

Hossam Hassan has seen or been a part of, either as a player or coach, most of the storied moments in the history of the Egyptian National Team. He is regarded as the nation's greatest striker in some circles, having scored 69 times in 177 caps over a 21-year career. His seven appearances and three wins in the AFCON tournament (1986, 1998, and 2006) contributed to his being named the "Best African Footballer" by his confederation.

Since taking over as manager in February 2024, Hassan has led his roster to an unbeaten World Cup qualifying campaign, chasing something not seen in the 1934, 1990, and 2018 tournaments: a win by the Pharaohs inside the competition itself.

Matchday 2 in Group G gave them that moment of history, a 3-1 win over New Zealand. They have since added to it with a knockout stage win over Australia on penalty kicks, and now face Argentina at lunchtime in Atlanta for the chance to reach the quarterfinals.

Hassan's mission for himself has been not just to go as far as this national team can go this time around, but to build for future generations as well.

"I do benefit from the experience that I gathered as a player," he admits during the matchday-minus-one press conference setting. "And I still have that player's passion and that player's persistence to write a new page of history with my national team. This time not as a player, but this time as a coach.

"But still, I am determined and I have the ambition to further perform with this national squad in a progressive manner: in a manner that benefits from all the experiences, be it in AFCON, be it in World Cup."

Hossam also understands being the head coach is the tougher end of the deal. The burden of each person on the roster is there. The burden of an entire nation rests on his shoulders as well. He is trying to juggle the veteran nature of the squad, work for the future, and figure out the younger pieces to build around for the next wave of anticipated success.

"I think Egyptian football deserves this achievement," he continues, "and I think that this national squad also deserves this place here. Maybe we have missed a few opportunities because of this reason or that reason. But, still, I think today and standing here as coach this was my vision.

"This was my vision for myself as a player and I'm delighted that this is the vision I have now as a coach for the squad: that we can prove to the world that we have great players, that we have a football school, and that we have our own kind of play and way of play. And we have great players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, and also by the way of new blood that has come into the national squad that you will see in the coming period of time. And it is great to have the younger ones joining the national squad as well."

There is also, outside of the national growth curve, the international recognition from the continent. With nine of the ten African teams making it to the knockout stage, there is the added expectation of success. There is the added expectation of advancement, and the responsibility of trying to handle both as the team grows.

Hassan has had a dream since he walked in the door as head coach. The early part of that sequence has already come true: training in 2025, getting ready for AFCON, going unbeaten in that competition, winning a match last month, getting out of the group, and advancing to the Round of 16. There will not be any underestimating of the opponent in Argentina, and Hassan is not going to allow any negative thoughts to enter between the ears in match prep.

The focus will be on themselves: figuring out what they can do as a side against the defending champions, working on the technical side of their game plan, and doing what they can to put some goals on the board. Every opponent gets treated differently, and the plan is not a step-and-repeat.

"You do not play a World Cup every day," Hassan says. "Be it for the players or be it for the technical staff, it is a great opportunity to prove ourselves and maybe get our standing as Egyptian football and as African football, to once more prove that we belong to this international stage. Maybe we have missed a few opportunities...

"But now we're here..."