Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt to a historic 3-1 comeback victory over New Zealand on Sunday, securing the country’s first-ever World Cup win and boosting their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Egypt went into halftime trailing 1-0, but a much stronger second-half performance turned the game around. Salah led the charge, showing that he still has the ability to make a difference on the biggest stage.
The victory moved Egypt to the top of Group G with four points from two matches. New Zealand remain bottom with one point, while Belgium and Iran are both on two points after their goalless draw.
New Zealand started well and executed their game plan effectively. They mixed long balls with patient possession and took the lead through defender Finn Surman, who rose highest from a corner and headed home after losing his marker Ahmed Fatouh.
The All Whites had another early chance when Callum McCowatt’s header was tipped over the bar, but Egypt came out with much greater urgency after the break.
Their pressure paid off in the 58th minute when Mostafa Zico headed in a cross from Mohamed Hany to level the score.
Nine minutes later, Salah produced the moment the Egyptian fans had been waiting for. The Liverpool star combined neatly with Zico on the right wing before calmly finishing into the far corner to put Egypt ahead.
Salah nearly scored again in the 81st minute when a deflected effort flew over the crossbar. However, he still played a key role in Egypt’s third goal. From the resulting corner, substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet dived in at the near post and headed the ball into the net.
New Zealand kept fighting until the end, trying to get back into the match. Egypt defender Hossam Abdelmaguid was forced off late with a suspected concussion after suffering a facial injury.
As the game entered stoppage time, Egyptian fans inside the stadium were eagerly urging the referee to blow the final whistle.
When the match finally ended, loud celebrations broke out among the Egyptian supporters as their team recorded a historic first World Cup victory. Coach Hossam Hassan celebrated by carrying an Egyptian flag around the stadium.
For New Zealand, it was another frustrating result. After surrendering a lead in their 2-2 draw with Iran, they once again failed to hold onto an advantage, and this time it proved costly.
New Zealand will finish their group campaign against Belgium in Vancouver, while Egypt face Iran in a crucial final group match with a place in the Round of 32 still on the line.
