VANCOUVER : Mohamed Salah scored one goal and created another as Egypt came from behind to defeat New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday, securing the country’s first-ever World Cup victory and moving to the top of Group G.
After a subdued first half in which they trailed at the break, Egypt produced a dominant second-half performance inspired by their captain, whose goal and assist put the Africans in control before substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet sealed the win.
“It’s a great achievement for all the players. It’s a great win. It’s a great vibe,” Salah said.
“The next game is very important.”
Egypt, who drew 1-1 with Belgium in their opening match, moved onto four points from two games. New Zealand, held 2-2 by Iran in their tournament opener, remain bottom of the group with one point. Belgium and Iran have two points each after their goalless draw earlier on Sunday.
New Zealand executed their game plan effectively in the first half and took the lead through defender Finn Surman, who escaped his marker Ahmed Fatouh to power home a header from a corner.
The All Whites looked comfortable before halftime, having also threatened through Callum McCowatt, whose glancing header was tipped over the crossbar.
Egypt emerged with greater urgency after the interval and levelled in the 58th minute when Mostafa Zico headed in Mohamed Hany’s cross from the right flank.
Salah then delivered the moment Egyptian supporters had been waiting for. The Liverpool forward combined neatly with Zico in the 67th minute before calmly finishing into the far corner to complete the turnaround.
The 34-year-old nearly added a second goal late on when a deflected effort flew over the bar, but he made his mark again from the resulting corner. His delivery was met by Trezeguet, who dived forward to head home Egypt’s third goal and put the result beyond doubt.
New Zealand continued to press forward in search of a response, while Egypt suffered a late injury concern when defender Hossam Abdelmaguid was forced off with a suspected concussion.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Egyptian fans inside the stadium urged the referee to bring the match to an end. When the final whistle sounded, players and supporters celebrated a landmark moment in the nation’s football history.
Coach Hossam Hassan joined the celebrations by carrying an Egyptian flag around the stadium.
“My feelings are the same as those of the Egyptian people because I am one of them,” Hassan said.
“The stadium felt as if we were in Egypt. The fans made it feel as though we were playing in Egypt.”
For New Zealand, the defeat continued a frustrating pattern after they had surrendered a lead twice in their opening draw with Iran.
“I think we contained them well enough, but they have good enough people in the whole side,” captain Chris Wood said.
“You can’t just focus on one player. He can pop up with a goal at any time and he showed that.”
New Zealand will conclude their group-stage campaign against Belgium, while Egypt face Iran with qualification for the knockout stage firmly within reach.
