Salah led Egypt to the first World Cup victory in the nation's 92-year tournament history with a win over New Zealand.​
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scored his first goal of the tournament during a second-half surge that helped Egypt secure a historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver.​
Both Salah and Mostafa Zico recorded a goal and an assist as Egypt recovered from a 1-0 half-time deficit to move into first place in Group G on Sunday. Trezeguet added Egypt’s third goal to seal the victory.​
Salah celebrated his 68th international goal by pumping his fist before being surrounded by teammates in the 67th minute, delighting the Egyptian supporters in the sellout crowd at BC Place in Vancouver.​
When Salah was substituted in the 85th minute, he received a standing ovation.​
The first three matches in Group G had all ended in draws, including Belgium and Iran’s goalless stalemate earlier on Sunday, leaving the group wide open. New Zealand (0-1-1, 1 point) appeared to be in a strong position after Finn Surman’s headed goal from a 15th-minute set piece gave them a lead they held for much of the match.​
Egypt will complete the group stage against Iran on Friday and are close to securing a place in the knockout rounds regardless of the result. New Zealand, still searching for their first World Cup victory, will face Belgium on the same day with hopes of advancing.​
Mostafa Shoubir made four saves for Egypt, while Max Crocombe also recorded four saves for New Zealand.​
New Zealand earned the corner that led to their opening goal after Elijah Just forced Shoubir into a save that sent the ball out of play.​
Tim Payne’s resulting corner found Surman in space, and his powerful header beat Shoubir to give the All Whites the lead.​
Egypt had a promising opportunity in the 35th minute from a free kick near the edge of the penalty area after Callum McCowatt received a yellow card for a late challenge. A teammate rolled the ball into Salah’s path, but his effort drifted wide to the left.​
Egypt controlled more possession and created more chances after the break, beginning less than 40 seconds into the second half when Salah forced Crocombe into a save.​
The Pharaohs finally equalised in the 58th minute. Mohamed Hany delivered an excellent cross for Zico, whose header from close range clipped Crocombe’s glove before finding the net.​
Salah scored the second goal nine minutes later. During a quick attack down the right flank, he exchanged passes with Zico before receiving a clever back-heel into space and finishing with a left-footed shot into the bottom-left corner.​
Trezeguet completed the scoring in the 82nd minute with another header from a corner kick. Salah delivered a low cross into the area, and the unmarked forward dived forward to head the ball into the net. It was Trezeguet’s 24th goal in international competition and his first at a World Cup.​
“In years to come, we will remember that this was one of the achievements in history,” Salah said.​
He also praised the strong Egyptian support inside the stadium, saying: “It feels like we are playing in Egypt. It’s a great win and great vibe."