EL HADARY IS WORLD CUP’S OLDEST PLAYER

— Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary became the oldest person to play in a World Cup match on Monday.

In the team’s final game of the tournament, Egypt coach Hector Cuper opted for the 45-year-old veteran keeper over Mohamed Elshenawy, who has reportedly been nursing an injury. Egypt has already been eliminated. El Hadary said on the eve of the match that it would be a huge honour if he were to get the chance to become the oldest player in World Cup history.

“Every player wants to set a record,” he said. “This will be my achievement but also for Egypt.”

El Hadary is a celebrity in Egypt since the Arab nation won three straight African Cup titles with him in goal between 2006 and 2010.