Mohamed Salah delivered when Egypt needed him most as the Pharaohs secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory with a 3-1 comeback win over New Zealand, moving to the brink of qualification for the last 32.
The result ended a long wait for Egypt, who had failed to win any of their previous eight matches at the tournament. It also marked a personal breakthrough for Salah, whose World Cup journey had previously been defined by injury, disappointment and missed opportunities.
After a quiet opening match against Belgium and an uninspiring first half against New Zealand, the Liverpool forward took control of proceedings in the second half to guide his country to a landmark result.
Egypt had fallen behind to an early New Zealand goal, but recovered to level before Salah put them ahead in the 67th minute. The forward then turned provider, delivering the corner from which Trezeguet headed home to seal the victory.
The win leaves Egypt well placed to reach the knockout rounds, with a point against Iran in their final group game likely to be enough to secure progression.
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“It’s a great achievement for all the players. It’s a great win. It’s a great vibe. The next game is very important,” Salah said after the match.
The performance represented a significant moment for a player who has spent much of his career carrying the hopes of a football-mad nation.
In Russia in 2018, Salah arrived at the World Cup battling to recover from the shoulder injury he suffered in Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
He missed Egypt’s opening game against Uruguay before scoring a penalty against hosts Russia in a defeat that all but ended their hopes.
A loss to Saudi Arabia completed a disappointing campaign, while Egypt failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
There were further questions before Sunday’s match after Egypt manager Hossam Hassan was forced to deny reports of a disagreement with Salah following his substitution during the draw against Belgium.
For much of the opening period against New Zealand, it appeared another frustrating chapter could be added to Salah’s World Cup story.
Instead, the 34-year-old produced the decisive contribution that Egypt had been waiting for.
His goal was the 68th of his international career, moving him to within one of Hassan’s national scoring record.
It was also one of the most significant goals of his career, helping Egypt secure a first World Cup win after a wait stretching back 92 years.
