VANCOUVER (Canada) — Egypt national football team director Ibrahim Hassan said security authorities had rejected the team’s request to stay in Seattle as originally planned following the World Cup match against New Zealand, forcing the delegation to return to Spokane instead.
Hassan explained that the team had hoped to travel directly to Seattle to reduce travel fatigue caused by frequent movements and to better prepare for its upcoming match against Iran on June 26.
However, following the security authorities’ decision, the Egyptian delegation will return to Spokane to resume training ahead of the crucial encounter.
Earlier on Monday, Egypt secured a historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver in a Group G match of the FIFA World Cup, being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico through July 19.
The victory lifted Egypt to the top of Group G with four points, ahead of Belgium and Iran, who each have two points in second and third place respectively, while New Zealand remains bottom of the group with one point.
