Egypt defender Abdelmaguid to fulfil "childhood dream" at World Cup

CAIRO, June 5 : Egypt defender Hossam Abdelmaguid said his "childhood dream" of playing at the World Cup has come sooner than expected, as the 25‑year‑old targets a deep run at the finals in North America.

After lifting the Egyptian league title with Zamalek, Abdelmaguid is aiming to help Hossam Hassan’s side achieve more than winning a World Cup match for the first time.

"The World Cup was a dream for me because my older brother used to talk to me about the tournament when I was a child. I remember telling him I would play in the World Cup," Abdelmaguid told Reuters in a Zoom interview.

"But I did not expect to realise that childhood dream so quickly, just three years after joining the first team."

Egypt are in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran, a draw that has fuelled hopes among their fans of a breakthrough World Cup campaign.

However, Abdelmaguid said the team would not be burdened by expectations.

"This is what the fans hope from us, and it is their right. It is also our right to aim for the knockout stages," he said.

"Every fan has the right to dream of winning the tournament, but each team has its own circumstances. I believe we can advance from the group stage and go far in the World Cup.

"We want to win every game, and if we cannot win, then not to lose. We are trying to give everything we can".

Abdelmaguid believes the squad has the quality to compete, with players like Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, Liverpool's departing Mohamed Salah and promising 18-year-old Al Ahly striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who is on loan at Barcelona.

"Hossam Hassan always motivates us and tells us we can do it, which gives us belief that we can achieve something for Egypt," added Abdelmaguid.

IRAN UNCERTAINTY

Doubts had surrounded