
7 days · 6 summary articles
Mohamed Salah scored twice as Egypt secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory on Monday, defeating New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver to claim top spot in Group G and keep their knockout-stage hopes alive. The historic triumph, Egypt’s first in 92 years of World Cup participation, ended a 12-game winless streak at the tournament and marked a defining moment for Salah, who now stands on the cusp of the national team’s all-time scoring record.
Egypt fell behind in the 17th minute when New Zealand’s Chris Wood capitalised on a defensive error, but Salah equalised just before half-time after a pinpoint cross from Mostafa Ziko. The Liverpool forward then turned provider, assisting Trezeguet for the Pharaohs’ second before adding a third himself in the 68th minute, sealing a commanding lead that New Zealand could not recover from. The result leaves Egypt top of Group G with three points, while New Zealand remain winless and face an uphill battle to progress.
The match unfolded in front of a sparse crowd at BC Place, where Egypt’s early vulnerability exposed their lack of tournament rhythm. Yet Salah’s leadership and composure under pressure transformed the game, drawing praise from pundits and fans alike. “This is one of the best performances in our history,” said Norway-based Egyptian striker Ahmed Elmohamady. “To win our first World Cup game after so long is something we’ll never forget.”
With two matches remaining in the group stage, Egypt now need only a draw against Belgium on Friday to guarantee their place in the Round of 16. Belgium, who face Canada on Tuesday, are favourites to top the group, but Salah’s men have shown they can compete at the highest level. New Zealand, meanwhile, must defeat Belgium by two clear goals to stand any chance of advancing.
The victory caps a remarkable personal redemption for Salah, who had endured years of criticism for Egypt’s struggles in major tournaments. His brace in Vancouver not only delivered a historic team triumph but also silenced sceptics who questioned his impact in big moments. As the World Cup shifts focus to Tuesday’s fixtures, Egypt’s newfound confidence could make them the tournament’s most dangerous underdogs.