Egypt survived a scare to come from behind and beat New Zealand, with Mohamed Salah’s second-half goal enough to seal his country’s first ever win at the World Cup.
The lowest-ranked team in the tournament threatened a huge shock in the first half when Finn Surman – who plays his club football for Portland Timbers in MLS – rose highest to power home a header.
New Zealand held onto their lead for the rest of the first half, but could not withstand the pressure for the entirety of the game, with Mostafa Ziko leveling just before the hour mark.
Egypt’s team is headlined by Liverpool’s Salah, and the fans inside Vancouver’s BC Place were delighted when it was the 34-year-old who provided his country’s second goal.
As the game neared its end, Salah turned provider for Al Ahly’s Trezeguet, his whipped corner headed in at the near post to extend Egypt’s lead to 3-1.
An earlier draw between Belgium and Iran in Group G’s other clash had opened the door for Egypt to take control, and they did exactly that, moving top with one game to go.
More to follow.
Mohamed Salah (right) celebrates with fellow goalscorer Trezeguet during Sunday’s victory
Mostafa Ziko celebrates his goal, which leveled the game after New Zealand’s opener
Salah receives a standing ovation from the crowd and a hug from his manager as he comes off
Finn Surman had earlier given New Zealand a surprise lead in the Group G clash in Vancouver
