Egyptian player Hossam Hassan dedicated his team's historic knockout-stage win — advancing Egypt to the World Cup round of 16 for the first time — to the residents of the Gaza Strip, saying "May God grant them victory," as reported by journalist Ben Goldfriend (N12).
Following Egypt's historic 1–0 victory over Belgium on Thursday — the first knockout-stage win in the nation's World Cup history — player Hossam Hassan used the post-match moment to make a political statement. In comments reported by journalist Ben Goldfriend (N12), Hassan dedicated the win to residents of the Gaza Strip, saying: 'May God grant them victory.' The gesture comes amid ongoing conflict in the region and follows widespread celebrations in Gaza earlier this week after Egypt's advancement to the round of 16, as The Zioneer previously reported. Egypt is now set to face Argentina in the round of 16 on a date yet to be announced.
2 developments
- StrongEgyptian coach Hassan uses World Cup presser to call for Gaza advocacy
- DevelopingEgyptian coach Hassan proud of Palestinian flag, says he refused to speak to Messi
- DevelopingYosef Haddad calls Egyptian coach 'loser,' makes special gesture to Argentina
- StrongEgypt coach Hossam Hassan was booked, reportedly spat at crowd and cursed after Argentina's 3-2 comeback
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