A masterclass from Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah helped Egypt defeat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver, leaving the All Whites’ World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
The All Whites opened the scoring in the 15th minute and it was a goal made in the A-Leagues as departing Wellington Phoenix defender Tim Payne crossed for former Nix defender Finn Surman to power home an unstoppable header to make it 1-0.
Both sides had plenty of chances to find the back of the net before half-time in a game that was being played out at a ferocious pace, albeit Egypt were the side in control of possession.
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The Pharoahs were knocking on the door of the New Zealand goal in the second half and they eventually found the equaliser in the 59th minute; winger Zico on hand to head home Mohamed Zany’s superb cross to make it 1-1, with the sheer power of the header enough to beat goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
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Less than 10 minutes later Egypt were in front and it was Liverpool legend and Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah who fired them in front.
Collecting the ball out on the right, Salah drove into the box and played a well-timed one-two with Zico before curling the ball into the bottom corner beyond the diving Crocombe to make it 2-1.
Hossam Hassan’s side then put the game to bed in the 83rd minute as former Aston Villa man Trezeguet escaped his marker at a corner to head home with just his third tough to send Egypt top of Group G.
Egypt had an excellent chance to make it 4-1 deep into stoppage time but Crocombe recovered well to deny Zizo from close range.
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The result means Egypt become the first side to win a game in Group G and are now favourites to finish in top spot, with the result also marking their first ever win in World Cup history.
As for New Zealand, Darren Bazeley’s side drop to the bottom of Group G and must now beat Belgium in their final match to guarentee themselves a spot in the knockout phase.
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Following their surprise goalless draw with Iran, Belgium currently occupy third spot ahead of the All Whites with two points to their name, however even that tally may or not be good enough.
Currently sat second in the group, a loss for Iran against Egypt by more than three goals coupled with a draw between Belgium and New Zealand could see the All Whites through as one of the eight best third-placed teams, although that is far from guaranteed at this stage.
