Egypt claimed their first-ever World Cup victory at the ninth attempt after recovering from a half-time deficit to defeat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver. Mohamed Salah wrote his name into the history books by becoming the country’s outright leading scorer at the tournament, netting his third World Cup goal to complete a remarkable turnaround.
The triumph ends a ninety-two year wait for victory at the global finals, banishing memories of previous campaigns including the 2018 tournament where Salah featured while carrying an injury and Egypt lost all three matches. The result also lifts Hossam Hassan’s side to the summit of Group G, making them the only team in the section to record a win after two rounds.
Second-half recovery
New Zealand had taken a surprise lead when defender Finn Surman headed home from Tim Payne’s corner shortly before the interval. However, Egypt emerged with renewed purpose after the break. Mostafa Ziko restored parity with a powerful header before turning provider for Salah’s landmark strike in the 67th minute.
Substitute Trézéguet sealed the points six minutes after his introduction, heading home from Salah’s corner to spark wild celebrations. The 34-year-old Salah is now one goal shy of equalling manager Hossam Hassan’s all-time national record of 69 goals.
Salah described the victory as “a great achievement for all the players” and warned that “the next game is very important” as Egypt seek to secure qualification. Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou observed that the team’s “big player stood up” when they needed him most, which will give the squad “enormous belief” ahead of the final fixture.
Group G picture
The win leaves Egypt controlling their own destiny ahead of the final round of fixtures. They will face Iran simultaneously with New Zealand’s meeting against Belgium, knowing that a point will guarantee progression to the knockout stages. New Zealand must defeat Belgium and hope other results favour their cause to stand any chance of advancing.
Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush completed 75 minutes for Egypt, the same point at which New Zealand’s Sarpreet Singh was withdrawn. Singh, who previously represented Bayern Munich’s second team, had started in midfield for the Oceania side.
Salah was involved in ten shots during the contest, taking five and creating five chances for others—the most by any player in a single match at this World Cup. Manager Hossam Hassan had denied reports of a rift with his star player prior to the match, having substituted Salah during the opening draw with Belgium.