El-Hadary expresses sorrow for Egypt’s bad World Cup results

Cairo – 25 June 2018: Egypt’s veteran goalkeeper, Essam El-Hadary, became the oldest player to play in FIFA World Cup when he participated in Egypt 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in Egypt’s last World Cup game. However, the goalkeeper was not happy after the game.

“For sure I am happy with my personal achievement, but I am the saddest man on earth now for the national team’s results in the competition.” El-Hadary told Kooora after the game.

Egypt’s head coach Hector Cuper gave El-Hadary the chance to play the game, after he started the tournament as Egypt’s second choice goalkeeper.

El-Hadary, 45, surpassed Colombian goalkeeper, Faryd Mondragón’s record when he played a World Cup match at the age of 43.

Egypt had a disastrous run at the competition losing their three games at the group stage.

Egypt started their participation against Uruguay when they lost 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Uruguayan defender, José Giménez.

Egypt also lost the second game 3-1 to the host Russia, with Mohamed Salah scoring Egypt’s only goal at the game.

Finally, Egypt lost 2-1 in the Arab derby against Saudi Arabia despite leading the score by Salah’s early goal.

However, the Saudi team won the game with two goals from Salman El- Faraj and Salem Al-Dawsari.

El-Hadary added “I apologize to our people who had high expectations for us but that is football and we will bounce back stronger.”

Uruguay finished the group stage leading Group A table with 9 points, while Russia came second with six points. Both teams qualified to the next stage. Saudi Arabia and Egypt, in third and fourth places, exited the tournament.