Egypt come from behind against New Zealand with Salah starring, as the “Pharaohs” take the top of Group G!

In a tighter-than-ever Group G, after Belgium and Iran drew 0-0 for the third consecutive time, Egypt and New Zealand had a real opportunity to take advantage. Thanks to a brilliant second half led by Mohamed Salah and Mostafa Ziko, the “Pharaohs” turned the match around (3-1) to secure their first win in the World Cup.

New Zealand were the first to take the lead. After a perfectly placed header from Tim Payne to Surman, the ball ended up in the net (15th minute) for a 1-0 lead, a surprising result for Egypt.

However, after going behind following a poor first half in which they managed only one real chance just before the break (45’+1), the “Pharaohs” were completely transformed after the restart. Within ten minutes, they attempted as many shots as they had in the entire first half.

However, it was New Zealand who had the first chance of the second half. With a powerful header, Callum McCowatt forced Mostafa Shobeir to make a brilliant fingertip save over the crossbar (52nd minute).

Far from being discouraged, the “Pharaohs” continued their upward momentum. Ziko’s shot was initially blocked at the last moment by Finn Surman (55th minute), before he equalized three minutes later. The Egyptian winger scored with a header from a Mohamed Hany cross, taking advantage of a handling mistake by Max Crocombe to level the score.

It was a heavy blow for New Zealand. Nine minutes later, Mohamed Salah capitalized on Egypt’s dominance after a brilliant combination inside the box with Ziko (67th minute). Substitute Trezeguet then sealed the 3–1 victory for his team, scoring with a header from a perfectly delivered corner by the Egyptian captain (82nd minute). The New Zealanders looked completely exhausted.

With four points, Egypt temporarily takes the lead in Group G ahead of their final group-stage match against Iran (Saturday, 5 a.m.). Nothing is decided yet for New Zealand, who will play for qualification against Belgium (Saturday, 5 a.m.), just one point behind them.

“KORÇA BOOM”