India, July 8 -- Egypt coach Hossam Hassan used the global stage of the FIFA World Cup on Monday to draw attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, describing their suffering as "a shame on the world" and urging football authorities, athletes and the media to do more to amplify their cause.

Speaking ahead of Egypt's round-of-16 clash against Argentina in Atlanta, Hassan briefly moved away from football to deliver an emotional appeal for Palestinians.

The remarks came days after he dedicated Egypt's historic penalty-shootout victory over Australia to the Palestinian people and waved a Palestinian flag following the match.

Responding to a question at his pre-match press conference, Hassan said, "If there is someone who has not felt...