VANCOUVER, LOS ANGELES, MIAMI, JUN 22 (IANS): Mohamed Salah produced another historic moment for Egyptian football as he inspired Egypt to a 3-1 comeback victory over New Zealand, securing the Pharaohs’ first-ever FIFA World Cup win since their tournament debut more than 92 years ago.
The Egyptian captain scored the decisive goal and became the first player from his country to score in two different World Cup editions. At 34 years and six days old, Salah also became Egypt’s oldest World Cup goalscorer, surpassing Magdy Abdelghany’s record set against the Netherlands in 1990.
The victory significantly boosted Egypt’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage. With Belgium and Iran playing out a goalless draw earlier in the day, Egypt moved two points clear at the top of Group G heading into the final round of matches.
New Zealand started brightly at BC Place Stadium and looked the more dangerous side in the opening exchanges. Sarpreet Singh and Elijah Just both threatened before the All Whites took a deserved lead in the 15th minute when Finn Surman powered home a header from a corner kick.
The goal put Egypt in unfamiliar territory, marking the first time the African side had trailed at half-time in a World Cup match.
Egypt responded positively, with Salah and Emam Ashour both coming close before the break. Salah was denied again by goalkeeper Max Crocombe immediately after the restart, while New Zealand nearly doubled their advantage only for Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir to produce a brilliant save from Callum McCowatt’s flicked header.
The save proved crucial as Egypt found an equaliser in the 58th minute when Zico headed home unmarked inside the penalty area. The momentum shifted firmly in Egypt’s favour and nine minutes later Salah completed the turnaround, calmly guiding a low finish into the corner after a slick team move. Trezeguet sealed the win with eight minutes remaining, capping a memorable night for Egypt and putting them in a strong position to qualify for the next round.
Ten-man Belgium frustrated by determined Iran
In Los Angeles, Belgium and Iran remained without a victory after a hard-fought Group G clash ended in a 0-0 draw.
The match was defined by excellent goalkeeping from Iran’s Alireza Beiranvand and Belgium captain Thibaut Courtois, while Belgium’s task became more difficult after defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the second half.
Belgium dominated possession from the outset, with Kevin De Bruyne heavily involved in their attacking play. The midfielder fired wide from distance before linking up with Leandro Trossard to create Belgium’s first clear opening.
Despite Belgium’s control, Iran fashioned the best chance of the opening half when a defensive lapse handed Hossein Kanaani an opportunity, but Courtois reacted sharply to keep the scores level.
Iran continued to threaten on the counterattack and thought they had taken the lead through Mehdi Taremi, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Belgium continued searching for a breakthrough, with Youri Tielemans forcing Beiranvand into a fine save and Maxim De Cuyper testing the Iranian goalkeeper before halftime.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Belgium enjoyed more possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Iranian defence, while Courtois again denied Taremi at the other end.
The contest turned with 20 minutes remaining when Ngoy misplaced a back pass and was forced to bring down an Iranian attacker racing clear on goal. The referee immediately produced a straight red card.
Reduced to ten men, Belgium came under increasing pressure. Courtois made several important saves to preserve the draw, while Dodi Lukebakio came closest to snatching a late winner when his curling effort drifted narrowly wide.
The result leaves both Belgium and Iran still searching for their first win after two matches and keeps Group G wide open ahead of the final round.
Cabo Verde continue dream run with Uruguay stalemate
Meanwhile, in Miami, World Cup debutants Cabo Verde continued their impressive campaign by holding two-time champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in Group H.
The African nation stunned Uruguay by taking an early lead through Kevin Pina, whose superb free-kick from 34 yards found the bottom corner after Telmo Arcanjo had won the foul.
Uruguay responded strongly and turned the match around before the break. Maxi Araujo equalised after Rodrigo Bentancur’s header rebounded off the post, while Agustin Canobbio completed the comeback with a close-range finish.
Cabo Verde refused to surrender and levelled the scores through Helio Varela, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up to score on his World Cup debut.
Uruguay dominated possession and created several chances during the second half, but Cabo Verde’s defence, led by Pico Lopes and Sidny Lopes Cabral, stood firm under sustained pressure.