Hassan chasing second win at World Cup as Iran challenge awaits

After their first-ever victory at a World Cup with a 3-1 win over New Zealand in Vancouver in their second game, the Pharaohs, who sit atop the group on four points before the final matchday, look likely to win it.

However, as it stands, that could pit them against South Korea, whereas a second-place finish would see them face Australia. Many things can change over the next three days, and Hassan has only one calculation in his mind, and that is to continue building the momentum at the World Cup.

Speaking to reporters in Arabic during his pre-match press conference, he said: "My calculation is simple. We want to win, and earn the victory.

"We want to advance, this is the most important thing, regardless of who we are going to face in the round of 32. We respect each and every opponent. Football has changed through the years - for a long, long time, most of the players were playing on the global stage, like in the UK or the EU..."

One of the players who has been a success on the world stage is Mohamed Salah. The current Liverpool forward, who is set to move away this summer, scored in the win over the White Ferns in Canada, and now sits just one goal behind his head coach in Egypt's all-time scoring record with 68.

Before the game, during some downtime, Salah snapped a photo of himself and some teammates walking the streets of Washington near their training base, suggesting a freer player who is enjoying his time with his national side.

Salah could equal the record against Iran on Friday, and his manager believes his star is feeling great at this tournament.

Speaking about Salah, Hassan explained: "He is a great player, he sees I have my style of coaching, I take everyone seriously, I try to treat everyone equally, as long as everyone is performing, doing their best, and playing their role."

"As we have seen in Morocco, during that time, Salah had a lot of trouble with his club (Liverpool), but every time he came back to us, he would perform better, assist, he would score goals...

"We were dealing with him very well. He’s a smart player, he knows my coaching, and he knows the role he plays within the squad.

"I think he is very free on the pitch, but in a systematic manner and we need that structure. We don't put everything on one star or two stars, but they will bring it for us.

"...It's a new version of Mohamed Salah."

Iran come into the game with two points, having battled hard for a 0-0 draw with Belgium last time out. A win against Egypt would see them through to the round of 32, despite the difficulties they have dealt with during the World Cup.

Hassan said he 'respected' Iran, but said that FIFA have given each country an equal chance throughout the tournament.

Friday's game also represents Seattle's 'Pride match'. Much controversy has arisen over this non-FIFA-delegated event, which will run concurrently with the game on Friday. The states of Egypt and Iran have oppressive restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, with the Egyptian FA refusing to be a part of anything that happens during the game earlier this year.

When asked about the Seattle Pride match, Hassan said his side were fully focused on the football.

He added: "As head coach, we are all focused on football, this is all that we think about. FIFA take the organisational side, we are focused on the football.

"We respect fair play and rules for everyone to abide to."