Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Another day, another shock result at the 2026 World Cup as Cape Verde continued their magical start to their first World Cup. The tiny island nation that stunned tournament favourite Spain last week did it again against Uruguay – a two-time World Cup champion – on Sunday, coming from behind for a 2-2 draw. In the other Group H match, pre-tournament favourites Spain finally hit their straps with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
In Group G, New Zealand took an early lead against Egypt but were run down in the second half as the Pharaohs notched up their first-ever World Cup win 3-1. Meanwhile Iran, who have had a chaotic tournament off the field, continued their unbeaten run with another draw – this time holding out a heavily favoured Belgium side.
That concludes our live coverage for today. Please join us tomorrow when two tournament heavyweights, Argentina and France, are among the teams playing.
Mohamed Salah scored the go-ahead goal and Egypt went on to defeat New Zealand 3-1 and secure their first-ever World Cup win.
Salah celebrated his 68th international goal by pumping his fist before he was mobbed by his teammates in the 67th minute, to the thrill of the red-clad Pharaohs fans in the sellout crowd at BC Place Vancouver.
When Salah was subbed off in the 85th minute he was treated to a standing ovation.
Egypt moved to the top of the standings in Group G with the win but were not yet assured a spot in the knockout round. The Pharaohs will play a deciding game against 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.
As mentioned earlier, if the Socceroos remain second in Group D, they will play the runners-up in Group G – one of Belgium, New Zealand, Iran and Egypt.
That win puts Egypt atop Group G, ahead of the final group game against Iran – who are currently second. Belgium, third, will play New Zealand in the final match. Based on the rules, even a win over Belgium means New Zealand cannot top the group, but just about any other outcome in Group G is still in play.
That’s full-time in Vancouver, and Egypt have blown the All Whites away with three second-half goals. New Zealand showed a lot of promise in that first 45 minutes but Egypt had total control in the second half. Mohamed Salah finished with a goal and an assist in the 3-1 win.
That is Egypt’s first-ever World Cup win.
The win puts Egypt atop Group G – ahead of Iran and Belgium after their scoreless draw earlier. New Zealand are in fourth spot on one point.
The outcome of Group G is of great interest to the Socceroos. Australia are currently placed second in Group D, and if it remains that way, they would play the Group G runner-up on July 4 in Dallas. For that to be New Zealand, though, they will now need a win over Belgium when they meet in Vancouver in five days.
New Zealand 1-3 Egypt, full-time
That’s three now for Egypt as Trezeguet heads home a corner from Salah. Trezeguet was only just substituted on but his header from an out-swinging corner might have sealed this one for The Pharaohs. Egypt are in complete control of this match now. They are not taking any risks and Salah is substituted off after the goal. He finishes with a goal and an assist for the match.
New Zealand 1-3 Egypt, 82 minutes
Mohamed Salah scores and Egypt have the lead, and it is a magic goal.
Salah takes the ball into the box, finds Ziko, who then lays it back to Salah, who slots it past a diving Crocombe at the far post. After a strong first 45 minutes this has been a poorer half for New Zealand.
New Zealand 1-2 Egypt, 67 minutes
Egypt have an equaliser. Mostafa Ziko heads home a cross from right-back Mohamed Hany. New Zealand keeper Max Crocombe gets a touch on it but he’s unable to stop it from going in. Egypt’s strong showing in this second half has been rewarded.
New Zealand 1-1 Egypt, 58 minutes
Egypt have started this half full of attacking intent. They’ve had five shots on goal in the opening seven minutes, although only one on target. They’ve also dominated early possession and are looking far more threatening than they did in the first half.
But it is New Zealand with the best chance of the opening exchanges of the second 45 minutes. Marko Stamenic hits a beautiful ball that finds the head of Callum McCowatt, but Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir makes a brilliant save and manages to tip it over the bar. That would have been some goal for New Zealand and given them a stranglehold on this game – and Group G for now.
New Zealand 1-0 Egypt, 58 minutes
Egypt have a free kick at the edge of New Zealand’s 18-yard box. It’s a training-ground play: Omar Marmoush lays it off for Salah, who hits it with the side of his foot but pushes it wide to the left.
Moments later Hamdi Fathi goes down, and the medical staff are on the pitch. He’s unable to continue, and the centre-back is substituted for Rami Rabia before half-time.
Egypt have another chance in stoppage time. Eman Ashour sticks out his foot as a cross from the right comes in on the New Zealand eight-yard box but he does not hit it cleanly and it rolls off for a goal kick.
That’s half-time at BC Place and New Zealand will be thrilled with that first 45. Egypt have improved as the half has gone on but the All Whites seem to have all the answers. Their 1-0 lead has them top of Group G for now.
New Zealand 1-0 Egypt, half-time
