By Sam Toobin

Seattle, June 25 (Reuters Sports Service) - Coach Hossam Hassan said on Thursday that the Egyptian national team is focused on football amid complaints from the Egyptian Football Association and Iran about the decision by local organizers to name the match "Pride Match" in Seattle, in reference to the LGBTQ+ celebrations organized by the city's local World Cup committee.

The winner of Friday's match could top Group G, depending on the result of the match between Belgium and New Zealand, but preparations for the game have been overshadowed by the question of how this match between two countries where homosexuality is criminalized was drawn.

Egypt and Iran objected after the draw was held last December, although FIFA, which says what happens off the field is a matter for the host cities, confirmed that fans would be allowed to bring rainbow flags to a World Cup match.

Egypt's national team coach Hassan did not respond directly when asked about the "Seattle Pride" celebrations that coincide with the match, saying that they are all focused on football.

Hassan told reporters, "FIFA, of course, handles the organizational aspect. And we have the Egyptian Football Association which manages these matters."

He added, "We are interested in football on the pitch. We reiterate our respect for the rules of fair play that everyone must adhere to, as well as any guidelines set by FIFA."

Hassan praises the "new version" of Salah

Hassan also declined to comment on remarks by Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei, who said that travel restrictions, which were later eased, made his country's team "the most persecuted team" in the tournament.

Hassan said, "Every national team has the right to participate in the tournament, and the right to equal treatment. FIFA is making tremendous efforts to give everyone equal opportunities to ensure respect and fair play."

As usual, the hopes of the Egyptian fans are largely pinned on their legendary captain Mohamed Salah, who played a crucial role in the Pharaohs’ first-ever World Cup victory against New Zealand, playing in a relatively new position for him.

Salah is just one goal away from becoming Egypt's joint all-time top scorer, and will share the record with Hassan himself, but Hassan stressed the importance of the team in Saturday's "crucial match".

Hassan said, "We don't put all our bets on one or two stars, nor do we simply bet that they will bring us victory."

The coach added that Salah's position in the middle gives the striker more freedom.

He continued, "I think he is a new version of Mohamed Salah at the moment. He is playing in a new position, and he plays with great freedom and in a very creative way."