Karim Hafez, the Pyramids and Egypt national team left-back, revealed that the Pharaohs did not expect the dramatic ending of their Round of 16 clash with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup after taking a two-goal lead.
Hafez discussed the match, Hossam Hassan’s approach inside the dressing room, Ziko’s World Cup experience, his own journey during the tournament, and his relationship with Ahmed Fattouh.
Karim Hafez: The Final 10 Minutes Were a Nightmare
Hafez described Egypt’s encounter with Argentina as a historic match, saying the final 10 minutes became a nightmare for the players after Egypt had taken a two-goal lead.
He explained that Hossam Hassan remained calm inside the dressing room and gave the players his instructions just as an experienced coach would when his team is behind.
Hafez also rejected suggestions that Hassan reacted with anger or shouting, describing him as a major coach who knows exactly what he wants from his players.
Hossam Hassan Does Not Fear Big Names
Hafez explained Hossam Hassan’s philosophy when preparing for matches, emphasizing that the coach treats every game as the most important match of his career regardless of the opponent.
According to Hafez, Hassan sometimes avoids mentioning major stars such as Lionel Messi or Vinicius Junior by name, instead referring to them by their shirt numbers.
The idea, Hafez explained, is to remove pressure from the players and make them focus on giving everything on the pitch regardless of the opponent’s reputation.
Karim Hafez Praises Ziko
The Pyramids defender praised Ziko, describing him as a talented player who has worked hard and sought continuous improvement since his time with Haras El Hodoud.
Hafez said Ziko’s World Cup appearance was the natural result of years of effort, despite not being part of any Egypt national team camp before the tournament.
He added that Ziko deserved the opportunity and that his World Cup involvement represented a long-awaited reward for his hard work.
Ziko’s “No Fear” Message After Argentina
Hafez said Ziko was right in his post-match comments following the Argentina game, particularly his “No Fear” message.
He added that Ziko’s reaction after the match was funny and helped the players laugh and joke together, allowing them to reduce the tension following the dramatic events.
Hafez praised the entire Egypt squad for their performance against Argentina, saying the players showed courage, passion and strong team spirit.
Australia Was Harder for Karim Hafez
Hafez believes the Round of 32 match against Australia was personally more difficult than the Argentina game, particularly because it was his first start.
He explained that Australia relied heavily on physical effort and running, while Argentina focused more on possession and playing with the ball.
For Hafez, the nature of the Australian approach made that match particularly challenging.
Karim Hafez Reflects on His World Cup Journey
Hafez revealed that he came on as a substitute for Ahmed Fattouh against Belgium and had a feeling before the tournament that he would feature in that particular match.
He later started against Australia and provided an assist before earning another opportunity against Argentina.
The defender emphasized his strong belief in his abilities, saying he continues to work hard, pursue improvement and leave the final outcome to God.
Egypt’s World Cup Mission
Hafez revealed that since the team arrived in the United States, Hossam Hassan repeatedly spoke about one central objective: making the Egyptian people happy and creating history for themselves.
According to Hafez, the players absorbed that message and managed to carry out what their coach wanted on the pitch.
He said the squad was satisfied with what it achieved and with its overall performance at the tournament.
Karim Hafez: Hard Work Is Never Wasted
The Egypt defender said that hard work is never wasted, recalling that he had been close to appearing at the 2018 World Cup but ultimately did not make the squad.
He described his participation in the 2026 edition as a major blessing and a remarkable opportunity to be part of a historic generation of Egyptian players.
Karim Hafez Praises Ahmed Fattouh
Hafez concluded by praising Ahmed Fattouh, describing him as a talented player and a kind-hearted person.
He said they maintain a strong relationship and spend time together, while emphasizing that playing decisions ultimately depend on the coach and circumstances.
Hafez also highlighted the unity within the Egypt squad, saying that the players stood together as one and that this unity was one of the key factors behind their success.
What did Karim Hafez say about the Argentina match?
He said the players did not expect the dramatic ending after taking a two-goal lead and described the final 10 minutes as a nightmare.
What did Hafez say about Hossam Hassan?
He praised Hassan’s calm approach and said the coach does not allow the reputation of opposing stars to place unnecessary pressure on the players.
What did Hafez say about Ziko?
He said Ziko deserved his World Cup opportunity after years of hard work and development.
Which match was harder for Karim Hafez?
Hafez said the Australia match was personally more difficult, especially because it was his first start.
What did Hafez say about Ahmed Fattouh?
He praised Fattouh as a talented player and a kind-hearted person, adding that playing decisions are ultimately made by the coach.
