Hector Cuper: Egypt eager to bow out of World Cup finals on winning note

Egypt head coach Hector Cuper says his charges are determined to prove their worth at the 2018 Fifa World Cup finals. 

The Pharaohs have endured a disappointing group stage campaign - losing to Uruguay (1-0) and tournament hosts Russia (3-1). 

On Monday, Egypt will take on three-time Asian champions Saudi Arabia in their final Group A match at the Volgograd Arena. 

Despite their poor showing in the tournament, Cuper insisted that he is satisfied with how the African giants have performed in Russia. 

“I’m not sad, I don’t share the opinion the team didn’t perform well,” Cuper told the media.

“We came to the World Cup saying we needed to focus on what we’re doing well. Because I can only repeat, I’m really satisfied with what we’ve done," he continued. 

The Pharaohs defence which has been marshaled by England-based defender Ahmed Hegazy, has been criticized for giving away goals cheaply.

"I wouldn’t say happy - that’s too far - but I’m satisfied. We committed minor errors in matches and what we want to do is then bow out in style in the next match," Cuper added.

“For us, this is an important match, particularly because we want to end this participation in the World Cup on a high note, with a good result," he explained.

"And once again we’re playing for all people in Egypt; we want to give them joy," Cuper said. 

"We want to end this World Cup with a triumph, even though this might be only a footnote in the future," he added. 

The Pharaohs are hoping to secure their maiden World Cup win having failed to qualify for the last six tournaments. 

"But for Egypt to win a first World Cup match would be something very important," the Argentine tactician concluded.