World Cup: Egypt coach does not guarantee Salah's starting role against Australia
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan is still unsure whether striker Mohamed Salah will start in this Friday's (3) match against Australia, in the round of 32 of the World Cup, in Dallas, as the 34-year-old player continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
Salah returned to partial training on Wednesday (1st), after suffering the injury in the 1-1 draw with Iran last Friday (26th). With this result, the Egyptians gained the point they needed to advance to the knockout stage for the first time in history.
"Salah is an extremely dedicated player and is very eager to make his contribution. I will not take any risks unless I am 100% sure that he is in full physical condition and ready to play tomorrow," said Hassan.
"We hope to have him tomorrow, but we still don't know if he will be in the starting team", he added.
So far, Salah has scored one goal in the tournament, the second in Egypt's 3-1 victory over New Zealand in the group stage, after the team reacted on the scoreboard.
He asked to be substituted with 33 minutes remaining in the match against Iran, and his race against time to be ready to play ended up overshadowing the team's preparation for one of the most important games in its history.
"He is one of the best players in the world. I am very lucky to work with him and I am very satisfied with the work we have done together so far. I managed to use him in the best way, both tactically and technically, and he exceeded the expectations that people had in relation to his performance so far", said the coach.
The Australian team, led by Tony Popovic, must pose a physical challenge to the Egyptians, but Hassan believes his team will be well prepared to face that test.
"On the African continent, we have vast experience facing tall players, similar to the Australian team we will face tomorrow", he said.
"It's the same situation we faced against New Zealand, Belgium and Iran. We've already dealt with this type of characteristic... all teams have strengths and weaknesses, and we are very well prepared to face any situation we encounter."
"(Diego) Maradona wasn't one of the tallest players, and neither is (Lionel) Messi. It's not about being tall or short. We're not playing rugby; we're playing football. Not American football, but soccer, and we're prepared and ready to go on the field," he concluded.
Without Germany, Brazil remains at the top of the list of World Cup champions
Source: CNN