Mahmoud Trezeguet helped Egypt seal their FIFA World Cupâ„¢ return after a 28-year absence A favourite of coach Hector Cuper, he has been a pillar of the team for the last two years He is enjoying an excellent season with Turkish side Kasimpasa after leaving Al Ahly for Europe
Egypt star Mahmoud Hassan 'Trezeguet' can pride himself on having earned the confidence of coach Hector Cuper, becoming a stalwart of the team set to dispute the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russiaâ„¢.
Fresh from helping the Pharoahs book their ticket in the African Zone qualifiers, he is now focused on shining on the global stage. That may well explain why he is currently impressing with Turkish club Kasimpasa, his form making him undroppable in the Egypt line-up, along with Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.
FIFA.com caught up with Trezeguet after Egypt's training camp in Switzerland and their excellent performance against Portugal. He spoke about the team's difficult qualifying campaign, his motivation to succeed and much more besides.
FIFA.com: The World Cup is fast approaching. What does it mean to you to be able to play in this competition?
Mahmoud Trezeguet: I've dreamed about it since I was little. Every footballer hopes to play in a World Cup one day. I've worked very hard over the last few years to make this dream come true. Before he died, my father asked me to help Egypt return to the World Cup. I really wish he was able to see my performances for the national team. I'm proud to have achieved his wish and I dedicate my World Cup participation to him.
The road to Russia was long and bumpy. When did you feel your dream might be within reach?
There are no easy matches in Africa. We started the second round of qualifiers with a [1-0] defeat against Chad. We won the return game [4-0], but that loss was a warning and woke us up to our responsibilities. Each time the squad got together, we told ourselves we couldn't waste this chance, and we focused on our training sessions and matches without worrying about the critics. We felt our goal was difficult to achieve, but that we could fulfil the dream of everybody in Egypt with patience and hard work.
Our qualification was not only down to the players and the coaching staff. The national association helped us a lot as well, as did the media and the fans. Our clubs also realised the importance of the national team and, thanks to God, our efforts were rewarded.
You are an important player in Hector Cuper's team, but you were a substitute for the crucial game against Congo DR at Borg El Arab Stadium. What do you remember about that game, which exploded into life in the final half an hour?
After the draw between Uganda and Ghana the day before, our place in the finals was virtually guaranteed, and our supporters were already celebrating in the stands. We knew the game would be difficult because Congo had nothing to lose. The first half ended 0-0, and I came on in the second. We went ahead thanks to a goal from Mohamed Salah, but we knew we needed another one to give us breathing space. But then the unthinkable happened with two minutes left: Congo scored. It was like being struck by lightning.
الØمدلله، مازال التØدي مستمرًا.
Alhamdulillah, and the challenge is still outgoing.â¤ï¸