Egypt's El Hadary poised for World Cup record

Volgograd: Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary is hoping to become the oldest player in World Cup history when they face Saudi Arabia.

Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.Credit: AP

The veteran of 156 caps, El Hadary appeared at a news conference on Sunday with coach Hector Cuper at the Volgograd Arena, suggesting he could play some part in Monday's Group A encounter between the two eliminated sides.

"Obviously I will be very happy if I participate in the match tomorrow," the 45-year-old said.

"I don't know (whether I will play), this is not certain.

"Obviously every player wants to set a record. It would not only be my achievement but also an achievement for Egypt."

El Hadary, who is at his his first World Cup for the Pharaohs, will be 45 years and 161 days old on Monday.

He would surpass the record of Colombia keeper Faryd Mondragon, who was 43 years and three days in his final appearance at the World Cup four years ago.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia are now playing for pride after losing their two opening games.

The Saudis want to avoid finishing bottom of a group at the World Cup for the fourth time while Egypt are seeking a first World Cup win at their third tournament appearance - in what is likely to be Hector Cuper's final game in charge.

The Argentinian coach said he would be making "minor changes" as he admitted not all went to plan for them in Russia.

"It is an important match because we want to end this participation in the World Cup on a high note and with a good result," he said.

"Of course I would like to make everybody happy, to come up with something that everybody would agree with. But it's impossible."

While saying there had been "small disagreements" within the Egypt camp, Cuper said he would not respond to questions about whether regular captain El Hadary had fallen out with the rest of the team.

"There might be small disagreements but I would like to hear evidence or proof of this," he said.

"If you don't have evidence or proof, I won't answer that question."

El Hadary, who was not included in the starting team for either of Egypt's first two games in Russia, denied any rift.

"If I had been making trouble in the team then I don't deserve my spot on the team. That's my simple answer," he said, sitting next to Cuper at a news conference.

- DPA