Egypt coach Hossam Hassan believes his side faces a tough challenge in Group G and expects their opening World Cup match against Belgium to be the hardest test of the group stage.
The seven time African champions will begin their World Cup campaign against Belgium on June 15. They will then take on New Zealand and Iran.
“The opening match against Belgium at the World Cup will be extremely difficult, and the group is strong and highly competitive,” Hassan said.
Egypt head into the tournament after a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their final warm up match in Cleveland on Sunday.
Bruno Guimaraes gave Brazil an early lead with a close range finish. Endrick doubled the advantage in the second half after being set up by Raphinha. Zico pulled one goal back for Egypt.
Captain Mohamed Salah featured in the second half and looked sharp on his return.
“Salah underwent a rehabilitation program with Liverpool and then with the national team, and he is now ready for matches,” Hassan told reporters.
The Egypt coach admitted he was unhappy with the result but felt encouraged by his team’s display against one of football’s biggest nations.
“I do not like losing, and I am saddened by the defeat to Brazil, even though they are one of the biggest teams in the world,” he said.
“We faced a strong and outstanding team in the final match before the World Cup.”
Hassan, who represented Egypt at the 1990 World Cup as a player, said the match provided valuable preparation before the team’s fourth appearance at the global tournament.
