Egypt's Hossam Abdelmaguid prepared to realise 'childhood dream' at FIFA World Cup

Having won the Egyptian league championship with Zamalek, Abdelmaguid now seeks to guide Hossam Hassan's team to surpass merely securing a first World Cup victory.

"The World Cup was a cherished dream for me, as my elder brother frequently discussed the tournament with me during my childhood. I recall informing him that I would one day compete in the World Cup," Abdelmaguid told Reuters in a Zoom interview.

However, I did not anticipate achieving that childhood dream so soon, merely three years after my promotion to the senior squad.

Egypt have been placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Iran, a grouping that has ignited hopes among supporters for a landmark World Cup performance.

Nevertheless, Abdelmaguid stated that the squad will not feel weighed down by expectations.

"This is what the supporters anticipate from us, and it is their entitlement. Equally, it is our prerogative to target the knockout rounds," he said.

Each fan is entitled to dream of lifting the trophy, but every team faces its own unique situation. I am confident that we can progress beyond the group phase and make significant strides in the World Cup.

"Our aim is to triumph in every match, and if victory eludes us, then to avoid defeat. We are striving to give our absolute all."

Abdelmaguid feels the team possesses the calibre to contend, featuring talents such as Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, Liverpool's departing Mohamed Salah, and the promising 18-year-old Al Ahly striker Hamza Abdelkarim, currently on loan at Barcelona.

"Hossam Hassan continually inspires us and assures us that we are capable, which instils in us the conviction that we can accomplish something meaningful for Egypt," added Abdelmaguid.

Uncertainty over Iran

Questions have arisen regarding Iran's involvement in the tournament due to tensions in the Middle East, with Tehran asking for their matches to be relocated away from the United States, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the schedule will stay as it is.

When asked how Iran's circumstances might affect his World Cup preparations, Abdelmaguid replied: "I have not paid attention to that news and it is irrelevant to us. I could focus on facing Iran and then end up losing to Belgium.

Egypt will confront three sides each featuring a physically robust striker, placing the tall Abdelmaguid in the probable role of handling Belgium's Romelu Lukaku, New Zealand's Chris Wood, and Iran's Mehdi Taremi.

Abdelmaguid stated that he started early preparations by analysing the forwards, adding: "All of them are elite players, but that does not make me afraid because I represent Egypt ... I concentrate on specifics and review their footage with my performance analyst, and also in sessions with Hossam Hassan."

"Captain Hossam"

Hossam Hassan has become the first Egyptian to participate in the World Cup as both a player and a manager, after netting the goal that sealed qualification in 1990 and then guiding the team back 36 years later for a fourth appearance.

Abdelmaguid believes that the World Cup experience of Hossam Hassan, together with his brother Ibrahim who serves as team director, has provided the players with a considerable advantage and assisted them in adjusting to the "atmosphere of the global tournament".

"He is Captain Hossam first and foremost, before being the national team coach. The same applies to Captain Ibrahim. We do not view him merely as a coach who will arrive and depart one day. It is different.

We are delighted to have someone with his background alongside us. Beyond the tactical aspect, he instils confidence in us via his experience, and that aids our success," Abdelmaguid said.

Former striker Hassan played a part in Egypt's sole prior World Cup highlight, earning a late penalty in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, who were then European champions.

"Football has evolved since that time, but the atmosphere remains unchanged. In the match against the Netherlands, he confronted elite players such as (Marco) van Basten, (Ruud) Gullit, and (Ronald) Koeman on equal footing, and that is the lesson he imparts to us," Abdelmaguid added.