Hossam Hassan: Egypt 'not here to make up the numbers' after Belgium draw

Egypt struck first in Seattle, with a superb 20th-minute finish from Emam Ashour putting the Pharaohs in control and troubling one of the tournament favourites. They created 14 goal attempts and matched Belgium for large spells before the equaliser arrived in the 66th minute.

Belgium levelled almost immediately after substitute Romelu Lukaku came on, as his presence forced pressure in the box and led to a Mohamed Hany own goal, denying Egypt a famous win.

Despite the disappointment, Hassan was full of belief in his team's direction and quality.

"I'm not the one to talk about Egypt's stature. The players are top quality, and we have two of the best players in the world with us," he said, pointing to Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

"We are definitely not here just to make up the numbers. The win was in our hands today."

Hassan also defended his decision to substitute Salah while the game was still level, praising both him and Marmoush for their intensity and work rate.

"We do not rely on a single player but on a collective 26," he added. "Salah and Marmoush gave everything with their transitions and energy."

Egypt, playing in their fourth World Cup, are still chasing their best-ever finish after previous campaigns fell short, including the 1990 tournament where Hassan was part of the squad that recorded two draws and a defeat.

He said this World Cup is about more than results, stressing a long-term plan to reshape Egypt's identity on the global stage.

Egypt now turn their attention to their remaining Group G fixtures against New Zealand and Iran as they look to keep their knockout hopes alive.