2018 FIFA WC: Egypt goalkeeper is on his way to create a new record in Russia

XtraTime Web Desk: Egypt goalkeeper Essam el-Hadary is all set to create a new record in the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Essam el-Hadary is on his way to becoming the oldest person to play in a World Cup match.
The 45-year-old goalkeeper was chosen by Egypt coach Hector Cuper in a 29-man preliminary World Cup squad on Monday. He will be going to his first ever World Cup despite making his international debut in 1996.

El-Hadary could eclipse the record set by Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, who was 43 when he played at the last World Cup in Brazil. He is already the oldest player in Africa Cup of Nations history after he came off the bench in Egypt’s first game of last year’s tournament.

Egypt qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1990. The team will play in Group A along with host Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. A final 23-member squad must be submitted to FIFA by early June.

In an unsurprising move, Mohamed Salah was also picked in the squad. The Liverpool forward won the golden boot as the top scorer in the English Premier League.