In football, some records are the kind no player wants. That is exactly what happened to Egypt defender Mohamed Hany, who became the first player in World Cup history to score two own goals in a single tournament. It's a heavy statistic that puts him under the microscope before the biggest game of Egypt's run: the round-of-16 clash with Argentina. (FOX Sports)
The two goals: how they happened
The first came in the 1-1 draw with Belgium in the group stage. The second, more painful, arrived in the 55th minute against Australia in the round of 32, when a free kick from Aiden O'Neill deflected off Hany's head into his own net to level the tie at 1-1. Fortunately, it didn't cost Egypt, who won 4-2 on penalties to reach the last 16 — but the psychological toll on the player remains. (Olympics)
What does an own goal do to a player psychologically?
An own goal isn't just a passing technical error; it's one of the heaviest moments a defender can face. While an ordinary defensive mistake is quickly forgotten, an own goal lingers in the mind and on the screens. When it happens twice in one tournament, it becomes a real psychological burden that can affect a player's confidence, focus and boldness in the tackle. The bigger danger is "overthinking" — hesitating in decisive moments for fear of repeating the disaster.
But there's another side to the coin: for many professionals, such moments become fuel for redemption. Pressure can break one player and make a hero of another who sets the record straight. The difference often lies in character and in the support of the coaching staff and teammates.
Will Hany play against Argentina? Hossam Hassan's dilemma
Here coach Hossam Hassan faces a tough call before the Argentina match, scheduled for Tuesday, July 7 in Atlanta. The considerations conflict:
- Keeping him: Hany is an experienced player who knows the system, and dropping him after a (not even deliberate) mistake could shatter his confidence and disrupt the line-up against a side as big as Argentina.
- Changing him: facing Argentina's attack demands ice-cold nerves, and the staff may feel that resting him psychologically is better for him and the team.
Our take: Hossam Hassan will most likely back his player — a coach who was once a player understands the cruelty of these moments and knows that public support can be the best psychological cure. But the decision will also depend on the readiness of alternatives and the plan against the Albiceleste. What's certain is that, if he plays, Hany has a golden chance to turn a painful record into an unforgettable redemption story.
A final word: football is merciless in its details, but also generous with chances at redemption. Against Argentina, no one will remember yesterday's mistake if he authors tomorrow's heroics. We wish Hany and Egypt a night that makes everyone forget every sad number.
Follow Malaab Al-An for coverage of Egypt vs Argentina in the round of 16, before and after the match.