Egypt recovered from an early deficit to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver and secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory. Mohamed Salah scored once and created another goal as Egypt moved top of Group G with four points.
New Zealand led at half-time through Finn Surman, but Egypt took control after the break. Mostafa Zico equalised before Salah scored the winner, while Mahmoud Trezeguet added a late third goal.
New Zealand lead through Surman
New Zealand started with confidence and took the lead through Surman’s header. The goal gave the All Whites a strong first half and put Egypt under pressure after their draw with Belgium.
Egypt had possession but struggled to break through New Zealand’s defence before the interval. Salah had limited space, while New Zealand looked dangerous from set pieces and direct attacks. The first-half lead gave New Zealand hope of their first World Cup win. However, Egypt came out faster after the break and created more danger around the penalty area.
Zico starts Egypt comeback
Egypt equalised after sustained pressure in the second half. Mohamed Hany delivered the cross, and Zico headed in to make it 1-1.
The goal changed the match quickly. Egypt pushed forward with more confidence, while New Zealand dropped back and found it hard to keep possession. Zico then played a key part in Egypt’s second goal. He combined with Salah before the Liverpool forward finished to give Egypt the lead.
Salah scores and assists
Salah’s goal put Egypt ahead and made him the country’s leading scorer at World Cup finals. The 34-year-old also became Egypt’s oldest World Cup goalscorer. He was involved again late in the match. Salah delivered a corner that Trezeguet headed in to make it 3-1 and end New Zealand’s hopes of a comeback.
The win was Egypt’s first in World Cup history after previous appearances in 1934, 1990 and 2018. It also gave the team a major boost after opening Group G with a draw against Belgium.
Group G remains open
Egypt now lead Group G with four points after two matches. Belgium and Iran drew 0-0 in the other group match, while New Zealand remain on one point. Egypt will face Iran in their final group game. New Zealand will play Belgium, needing a win to stay in contention for the Round of 32.
