Essam El HadaryGetty

El Hadary sets sights on Faryd Mondragon’s World Cup record

Egypt’s Essam El Hadary has set his sights on becoming the oldest player to play a World Cup game when his side faces Saudi Arabia.

The dead rubber encounter billed for Volgograd Arena will see the Pharaohs chase their first ever win in the tournament following defeats to Russia and Uruguay.

For Hadary, he would be hoping to make his debut as well as write his name in the history books, but told media that would be a decision of Hector Cuper.

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“Obviously I will be very happy if I participate [on Monday] but I don't know. This is not certain,” he told media during Sunday’s pre-match conference.

“This choice will be made by the management. Obviously, any player wants to set a record. This record will be my achievement but also for Egypt. I hope I'll be able to set this record.”

Aside from personal achievement, he is hoping the Pharaohs triumph to end the tournament on a high.

"Like any other match, this is an important match for us and Egyptian fans and crowds,” he continued.

“We're hopeful we can win [today]. This is our last match. We hope God will grant us victory.

“We know football is a difficult game. Sometimes you win and lose. We all do our best. We hope we can win.”

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