VANCOUVER — Mohamed Salah scored the decisive goal as Egypt claimed its first-ever World Cup victory with a 3-1 comeback win over New Zealand on Sunday, moving the Pharaohs to the top of Group G.
After decades of frustration on football’s biggest stage, Egypt finally celebrated a World Cup victory as Salah inspired a second-half turnaround in front of a sellout crowd at BC Place.
“I always give my best to the national team,” Salah said. “Today I think is a very special day, with our first win in the World Cup.”
New Zealand struck first in the 15th minute when defender Finn Surman headed home a corner delivered by Tim Payne to give the All Whites an early lead.
Egypt struggled to find an equalizer before halftime despite several dangerous attacks, including a Mohamed Salah effort that narrowly missed the target after a clever set-piece combination with Omar Marmoush.
Coach Hossam Hassan’s halftime message sparked a response from his players.
“In between the first and the second half, we said it’s a no-go. We are not going to leave this pitch unless we claim the victory,” Hassan said.
Mostafa Zico leveled the score in the 58th minute when he headed past goalkeeper Max Crocombe after finding space inside the New Zealand defense.
Salah then completed the turnaround in the 67th minute, collecting a backheel pass from Zico before calmly finishing for his 68th international goal. The Liverpool forward celebrated by pumping his fist before being mobbed by his teammates.
The goal moved Salah within one strike of equaling Hassan as Egypt’s all-time leading scorer.
Trezeguet sealed the victory in the 82nd minute with a diving header before Salah received a standing ovation when he was substituted five minutes later.
Egypt finished the night atop Group G but has yet to secure qualification for the knockout rounds. The Pharaohs will face Iran in Seattle on Friday, with a draw enough to send them into the round of 32.
New Zealand, meanwhile, remains alive despite the defeat and will face Belgium in its final group match.
The victory marks a historic moment for Egypt, which is appearing in the World Cup for only the fourth time and returned to the tournament after missing the 2022 edition.
Players and coaching staff celebrated on the pitch after the final whistle, with Hassan carrying an Egyptian flag around the stadium as supporters continued singing long after the match had ended.
Source: Saudi Gazette