Egypt ordered back to Spokane after 3-1 win over New Zealand at World Cup
Mohamed Salah of Egypt (Image: Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The Egyptian Football Association has revealed that the World Cup national team was denied permission to travel to Seattle after their victory over New Zealand. Mohamed Salah has become the star player for his country, with Egypt taking a big step towards securing a place in the last 32 in Vancouver, Canada.
The outgoing Liverpool forward put his name on the scoresheet in Egypt’s historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand, their first ever World Cup win.
The team had requested to remain in the city after the match against the Kiwis.
But local security officials denied the request, leaving the seven-time African Cup of Nations champion with no choice but to return to Spokane, where the tournament is based. The Egyptian Football Association subsequently issued a statement clarifying the confusion caused.
In a statement released by the Egyptian Football Association, Egyptian coach Hossam Hossan said: “The team’s delegation will return to Spokane after the security authorities denied the team’s request to stay in Seattle as scheduled after the World Cup match against New Zealand.”
“The team had hoped to fly directly to Seattle to avoid travel fatigue for the players from frequent travel in preparation for the game against Iran on June 26th, but due to safety concerns, the Egyptian national team will return to Spokane.”
The plan was designed to eliminate unnecessary travel and allow enough time to prepare for the crucial Group G showdown with Iran on June 27 in Seattle.
Instead, Egypt will be forced to resume training in Spokane and travel to Kansas for another day. They will be playing another country that understands what it means to have a tournament disrupted by travel disruptions.
Mohamed Salah scores in Egypt’s win over New Zealand (Image: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
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Iran remains stationed in Tijuana, Mexico, even though all games will be held in the United States. They originally planned to be based in Arizona, but changed to the Mexican border city after tensions began between the Middle Eastern country and the World Cup host country.
They had to travel to Los Angeles on match days against New Zealand and Belgium and return home as soon as the final whistle blew.
Prior to the clash with Belgium, US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Malling claimed that someone with direct ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) had attempted to board a plane bound for Los Angeles.
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Iran dismissed the claim as a “lie” and suggested it was an attempt to sabotage the tournament in Iran. Iran head coach Amir Galenoei was particularly vocal about their treatment, claiming they were the “most oppressed” team during the tournament.
Nevertheless, Iran still has a competitive advantage. They secured draws in their opening matches against New Zealand and Belgium and currently sit second in their group.
If they win against Egypt, they will advance to the final tournament for the first time in Egyptian history.
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