Mohamed Salah delivered when his country needed him most, helping Egypt secure their first-ever World Cup victory with a 3-1 comeback win over New Zealand and moving the Pharaohs to the brink of qualification for the tournament’s last 32.
After a difficult start to the competition and a frustrating opening half against New Zealand, Salah produced a decisive second-half performance that transformed Egypt’s fortunes. The 34-year-old forward scored in the 67th minute to put his side ahead after they had recovered from an early New Zealand goal. He then provided the corner that Trezeguet headed home to seal a landmark victory.
The result ended a 92-year wait for a World Cup win and marked a significant moment for both Salah and Egyptian football. Having endured disappointment at the 2018 World Cup and watched Egypt miss out on qualification for Qatar four years later, the country’s most celebrated player finally enjoyed a defining moment on football’s biggest stage.
“It’s a great achievement for all the players. It’s a great win. It’s a great vibe. The next game is very important,” Salah said after the match.
Egypt now know that a point against Iran could be enough to secure progression to the next round, although other results may work in their favour before then.
The victory came amid continued scrutiny surrounding Salah, whose club future remains uncertain following his departure from Liverpool after a difficult final season. Egypt manager Hossam Hassan had also been forced to dismiss reports of a disagreement with the forward after substituting him during the team’s opening draw with Belgium.
Despite those distractions, Salah responded in the most influential way possible. His goal against New Zealand was the 68th of his international career in 118 appearances, leaving him just one behind Hassan’s national scoring record.
Statistics highlighted his influence, with no player involved in more shots during a World Cup match so far. Salah recorded five attempts on goal and created five additional chances for teammates.
Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou praised the forward’s impact, saying: “If there was any doubt about Mo’s impact on this team, you can still see it.”
Former Jamaica winger Jobi McAnuff echoed those sentiments, adding: “Just when he was needed, Mo Salah stood up for his country.”
For Egypt, the victory does more than improve qualification hopes. It finally removes one of the longest-standing frustrations in the nation’s football history and gives supporters renewed belief that this World Cup journey could be far from over.
