Egypt secured its first-ever FIFA World Cup win after defeating New Zealand 3-1 in Group G. Star forward Mohamed Salah led the comeback as Egypt moved to the top of the standings.
New Zealand started strongly and took the lead in the first half. Defender Finn Surman rose highest from a corner and powered a header into the net. Egypt went into the break trailing by one goal.
The Egyptians responded aggressively after halftime. Mostafa Ziko leveled the score in the 58th minute when he headed home a cross from Mohamed Hany.
Salah then produced a moment of quality in the 67th minute. He exchanged a quick one-two pass with Ziko before finishing calmly to put Egypt ahead 2-1.
Egypt sealed the victory in the 81st minute. Salah launched another dangerous attack that resulted in a corner. Substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet met the delivery with a header to score Egypt’s third goal.
Egyptian fans celebrated wildly at the final whistle. Head coach Hossam Hassan carried the national flag as he toured the stadium.
Salah praised the team effort after the match.
“This result came through the work of the entire squad,” he said. “But the next match will be just as important.”
The victory lifted Egypt to four points from two matches and first place in Group G. New Zealand remained bottom of the group with one point.
In the group’s other match, Belgium and Iran played out a goalless draw.
