Salah leads Egypt past New Zealand for first World Cup victory
Egypt rallied from a goal down in Vancouver to beat New Zealand 3-1 and move to the top of World Cup Group G.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Egypt earned the first World Cup win in its history on Sunday, coming from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver, according to match reports from AFP, AP and Reuters. The result moved Egypt into first place in Group G after the group’s opening three matches had all finished level.
Mohamed Salah scored his first goal of the tournament in the 67th minute, while Mostafa Zico and Trezeguet also scored for Egypt, the agencies reported. Salah and Zico each finished with a goal and an assist as Egypt overturned a 1-0 halftime deficit at BC Place.
New Zealand went ahead in the 15th minute through Finn Surman, according to the reports. Elijah Just forced Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir to turn a shot out for a corner, and Tim Payne’s delivery found Surman free for a headed finish.
The All Whites held that lead for nearly half the match, the agencies reported. Egypt had a chance in the 35th minute after Callum McCowatt was booked for a foul near the edge of the area, but Salah’s free-kick effort missed to the left after a teammate rolled the ball into his path.
Egypt took command after halftime, according to AFP, AP and Reuters. Salah forced New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe into a save less than 40 seconds after the restart, and Egypt’s pressure led to the equalizer in the 58th minute.
Mohamed Hany crossed to Zico near the six-yard area, and Zico’s header struck Crocombe’s glove before going in, the reports said. Nine minutes later, Zico set up Salah on a break down the right, back-heeling the ball into space after Salah had carried it into the area.
Salah finished with his left foot into the bottom-left corner for his 68th international goal, according to the agencies. He celebrated with a fist pump before teammates surrounded him, and he later received a standing ovation from the sellout crowd when he was substituted in the 85th minute.
Trezeguet added Egypt’s third goal in the 82nd minute, the reports said. Salah delivered a low corner, and Trezeguet, left unmarked, scored with a diving header for his 24th international goal and his first at a World Cup.
Shoubir made four saves for Egypt, while Crocombe had four for New Zealand, according to the match reports. New Zealand fell to 0-1-1 with one point and remained without a World Cup victory.
Egypt will face Iran on Friday in its final group match, with the agencies reporting that the Pharaohs are all but assured of reaching the knockout stage. New Zealand will play Belgium the same day as it tries to extend its tournament.
After the match, Salah called the win one of Egypt’s historic achievements, according to the reports. He also praised the Egyptian support in Vancouver, saying it felt like playing in Egypt and describing the win and atmosphere as great.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.