Hani Ramzy: Brazil Match is True Test for Egypt Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Hani Ramzy, a former player for the Egyptian national team, believes that the Pharaohs did not gain significant tactical benefits from their recent friendly match against Russia. He asserts that the upcoming clash with Brazil will serve as a true test ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

During his appearance on the program “Ya Masaa Al-Anwar” with host Medhat Shalaby on MBC Masr 2, Ramzy explained that the Russian team did not provide a level of competition that would yield strong tactical indicators for the coaching staff to build upon.

The former star highlighted that comparing the match against Russia with other friendlies against stronger teams reveals a considerable difference in tactical returns. He noted that the only significant takeaway from the encounter was the impressive performance of player Mostafa Ziko.

Ramzy emphasized that the benefits from the Russia match were limited, adding that facing Brazil will offer a better opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate players’ performance accurately before entering the World Cup.

He stated, “The Brazil match is a difficult and genuine test for the Egyptian team before the World Cup. They have strong elements across all positions, and it will be very beneficial from a tactical standpoint.”.

Ramzy also stressed the importance of exiting the match injury-free so that the team can enter the tournament at full strength with all key players available.

Recalling his experiences against Brazil during his time with the Olympic team, Ramzy noted that the intimidation factor of facing such a renowned opponent affected players’ performances at the start of their matches, particularly in the first half.

He added that during halftime, he focused more on boosting players’ psychological readiness rather than purely technical aspects, aiming to enhance their confidence and alleviate any fear associated with facing one of the world’s strongest teams.

In conclusion, he pointed out that there was an improvement in team performance during the second half, where Egypt appeared better and came close to achieving a positive result. He reiterated that psychological factors play a crucial role in such high-stakes matches.