Mohamed Salah scored once and created another as Egypt fought back to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver on Sunday and claim the country’s first World Cup victory. Egypt recovered after an uneven first half and used Salah’s influence through the middle to move top of Group C with four points from two matches.
Hossam Hassan again used Salah in a central role behind Omar Marmoush in a 4-2-3-1 system. Emam Ashour and Mostafa Zico worked from wide positions, while Salah operated in pockets behind the striker and looked for space between New Zealand’s midfield and defence.
New Zealand frustrated Egypt for long spells before the break. They kept their shape tight and denied Salah room around the box. Egypt controlled more of the ball but struggled to create clear openings and lacked urgency in the final third.
The match changed after the interval.
Egypt increased the pace of their attacks and started moving the ball forward earlier. Salah became far more involved and drove play through the centre rather than drifting wide.
Mostafa Zico started the comeback in the 58th minute when he headed Mohamed Hany’s cross into the net. Egypt sensed an opening and pushed harder.
Salah then took over.
Nine minutes later he exchanged passes with Zico in a quick one-two before curling a left-footed finish into the net to put Egypt ahead. He completed his contribution with an outswinging corner that Mahmoud Trezeguet powered home to settle the contest.
Salah finished with five attempts on goal, two shots on target and the man-of-the-match award.
“We can make history and qualify top of the group, and in the years to come you will remember this as one of our best achievements,” Salah said.
“We just have to enjoy today, enjoy tomorrow, and then focus on the next game.
“It feels like we are playing in Egypt, with all the fans wearing red. Everybody is happy and excited. I do not know what to say, it is a great atmosphere.”
Egypt, who opened with a 1-1 draw against Belgium, now sit top of the group before a meeting with Iran in Seattle. New Zealand, after their 2-2 draw with Iran in the opening match, remain bottom with one point.
