VANCOUVER, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Egypt claimed its first-ever FIFA World Cup victory as Mohamed Salah scored one goal and set up another in a 3-1 win over New Zealand in Group G at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
New Zealand took the lead in the 15th minute as Finn Surman rose high to head home a well-delivered cross inside the penalty area. Egypt responded strongly but failed to score in the first half.
Mustafa Zico, nicknamed after the Brazilian legend, leveled for Egypt in the 58th minute. He met a cross from Mohamed Hany and headed the ball into the net. Nine minutes later, Salah finished a one-two with Zico before scoring to put Egypt 2-1 ahead.
In the 82nd minute, Salah provided an assist for substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet, who is nicknamed after former France forward David Trezeguet, to secure the 3-1 victory with a low header.
"In years to come, we will remember that this was one of the achievements in history," Salah said, "And it feels like we are playing in Egypt."
Belgium and Iran drew 0-0 earlier, allowing Egypt to move top of Group G with the win, though it is not yet assured of a place in the knockout stage. Egypt will play a decisive final-round match against Iran. ■
