Mohamed Salah overcame a slow start to his FIFA World Cup campaign with a brilliant display, helping Egypt defeat New Zealand 3-1 at BC Place in Vancouver.
Ninety-two years after the Pharaohs made their World Cup debut in 1934, Egypt finally claimed their first-ever victory on the biggest stage. The 3-1 triumph over the All Whites has significantly boosted their chances of advancing from Group G to the knockout stage.
Egypt had begun their campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Belgium. However, Salah’s underwhelming performance in the opener had raised questions about his form until he delivered a decisive contribution on Sunday. The Liverpool star scored once and provided an assist as Egypt came from behind in front of a passionate crowd of more than 50,000 spectators.
Egypt bounce back after Surman’s early header
New Zealand took a shock lead in the 15th minute when Finn Surman rose to head home Tim Payne’s corner, giving the All Whites a 1-0 advantage.
Hossam Hassan’s side responded strongly in the second half. Mostafa Zico restored parity in the 58th minute with a powerful header from Mohamed Hany’s cross. Egypt then took the lead when Salah combined brilliantly with Zico, playing a quick one-two before slotting a clinical strike into the bottom corner.
The lead was doubled in the 82nd minute as Salah delivered a precise corner that substitute Trezeguet met with a thumping header, sealing a memorable 3-1 victory for the Pharaohs.
