At BC Place in Vancouver, Egypt overcame a deficit to overcome New Zealand 3-1, earning the Pharaohs their first FIFA World Cup (WC) victory and a spot in the Round of 32.
With seven minutes remaining in the match, Liberato Cacace dragged the ball back to Sarpreet Singh, whose attempt from just beyond the area went wide of the right post, giving the All Whites their first opportunity.
After Marko Stamenic made a sharp move to free Elijah, New Zealand appeared intent in the first few exchanges. Oufa Shobeir skillfully stopped the winger’s near-post attempt just inside the area.
But Tim Payne’s delivery from the ensuing corner found Finn Surman, a fellow defender, who leaped highest to force his header into the net, giving the All Whites a well-earned lead.
Egypt, who were a little shell-shocked, understood they had to improve overall as well as on the scoreboard.
As the first half progressed, the Pharaohs did get better. Mohamed Salah’s free-kick from a similar position went just wide of the left post, while Omar Marmoush tested Max Crocombe with an effort from just outside the box.
Seven minutes after the restart, New Zealand nearly doubled their lead when Callum McCowatt flicked a pass into the box goalwards, but Shobeir was there to tip it over the crossbar. Egypt played with much more purpose and tempo in the second half after receiving a clear reprimand at HT.
Just before the hour mark, Mohamed Hany’s cross into the area found Mostafa Ziko, whose close-range header beat Crocombe’s outstretched left hand, tying the score. The improvement in play paid off.
With eight minutes of normal time left, substitute Trézéguet’s header from Salah’s corner struck the net, sealing the seven-time African champions’ first World Cup victory. The team had significantly improved in the second half.
Egypt has virtually guaranteed their spot in the Round of 32 after extending their undefeated H2H record to four games. In their last group encounter, they take on Iran; New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team in the World Cup, has only won one of their last 13 games and must overcome Belgium to join them.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt) is the Flashscore Man of the Match.
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