Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Egypt’s players danced on the field, while their red-clad fans celebrated in the stands. The Pharaohs finally got their first World Cup win.
Mohamed Salah scored the go-ahead goal, before Egypt went on to defeat New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday night (Monday AEST).
Salah celebrated his 68th international goal by pumping his fist before he was mobbed by teammates in the 67th minute at BC Place in Vancouver.
“I always give my best to the national team,” Salah said. “Today I think is a very special day, with our first win in the World Cup.”
Egypt moved to the top of the standings in Group G, but are not yet assured of a spot in the knockout round.
The Pharaohs play Iran on Friday in Seattle, needing at least a draw to advance.
Egypt are making their fourth World Cup appearance after missing the field in Qatar four years ago. Salah scored a pair of goals in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Finn Surman put New Zealand in front in the 15th minute with a flying header off a corner kick delivered by Instagram sensation Tim Payne. It was the third international goal for the defender, who plays for the Portland Timbers in MLS.
“In between the first and the second half, we said it’s a no-go, we are not going to leave this pitch unless we claim the victory for ourselves, unless we make everyone proud and happy,” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said after the match.
Egypt turned up the pressure after halftime and Mostafa Zico broke through with the 58th-minute equaliser, finding space between Surman and Payne for a header that goalkeeper Max Crocombe got a hand on but couldn’t stop.
Salah took a back-heel pass from Zico for his goal, which puts him just one away from tying coach Hassan for the national team’s all-time scoring lead.
A diving heading by Trezeguet in the 82nd minute wrapped up the scoring for Egypt.
In their tournament opener against Belgium, Emam Ashour scored an early goal for Egypt, but the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
New Zealand twice took the lead against Iran in their group opener, only to be held to a 2-2 draw. Elijah Just scored both goals for the All Whites.
The Kiwis previously appeared at the World Cup in 2010 and drew all three of their games.
The other teams in Group G, Iran and Belgium, played out a scoreless draw earlier on Sunday in Inglewood, California, giving both sides two draws at the tournament.
New Zealand return to Vancouver on Friday, still looking for their first World Cup win when they face Belgium.
“You just have to believe and be positive,” said veteran Chris Wood. “We’re still one win away. We can still go in, beat Belgium and go through. I’m not going to lie, it’s going to be very tough.”
