Egypt Coach Blames ‘Money’ After Argentina Defeat

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan launched a furious attack on the officiating following his side's dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, claiming "it's all about money" and suggesting the tournament favoured Lionel Messi's team.
Egypt appeared on course for the quarter-finals after taking a 2-0 lead, only to concede three goals in the final 13 minutes as Argentina completed a stunning comeback.
Speaking after the match, Hassan questioned the fairness of the result.
"It's all about money. They want Messi to stay in the tournament. There are many interests outside football. What happened was unfair. Egypt deserved to go through. We were the better team against Argentina," he said.
The Egypt coach also expressed such deep frustration that he said he would not watch another World Cup match.
"I'm going home and I won't watch another match in this World Cup. We should have had a penalty, and one of our goals was disallowed. I don't know why it was ruled out," he added.
Egypt's complaints centred on two controversial incidents. Mostafa Zico's goal in the 62nd minute was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul in the build-up, while the Egyptians also believed Hamdi Fathi had been fouled before Argentina scored the winning goal in stoppage time.
Hassan argued that the match officials had the biggest influence on the outcome.
"Our mistakes may have led to goals, but the biggest mistakes were made by those responsible for making the decisions. We didn't get what we deserved," he said.
Despite the heartbreak, Hassan praised his players for executing the game plan and competing strongly against the reigning world champions.
"The players followed the plan brilliantly and worked incredibly hard. Most of our squad play in the Egyptian domestic league, unlike many other teams with players in Europe's top leagues. Apart from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, almost everyone plays at home, yet we competed on equal terms. That makes me proud," he said.