The Pharaohs have a record first.
Egypt took down New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver on Sunday to secure its first ever win at the men’s World Cup, with star Mohamed Salah leading the push.
Read more Bagpipes and kilts flood ballpark as Scotland fans turn a Marlins game into a party
Salah and Co. entered the game having drawn Belgium 1-1, while New Zealand tied 2-2 with Iran as Elijah Just logged a brace.
Both teams entered the game looking for a first win, with the All Whites gaining the advantage in the first half.
Off a corner kick, social media star Tim Payne found center-back Finn Surman on a corner kick from the left flank.
New Zealand, the lowest-ranked nation at the tournament at No. 84, held firm for the rest of the first half with Chris Wood and Sarpreet Singh in attack, though Just didn’t find the same success he did vs. Iran.
The momentum eventually flipped in the second half as Salah, who recently turned 34, showed why he’s the best player on the pitch.
The first goal came from Mostafa Ziko, however. Ziko, who scored his third international goal in just his fourth cap, rose to head home a brilliant right-flank cross from Mohamed Hany in the 58th minute.
Read more ICE evacuates detainees at Krome Detention Center due to Miami-Dade wildfires
Then Salah made his mark.
In the 67th minute, Salah and Ziko linked up exquisitely with a 1-2 inside the box that led to the Liverpool icon slotting it home past All White ‘keeper Max Crocombe.
Then in the 82nd minute, an outswinging corner kick from Salah on the left flank resulted in substitute Trezeguet stabbing it home with force.
Both teams had some half-chances to add to the scoreline from there, but Egypt got the job done to claim all three points.
Egypt previously made the World Cup in 1934, 1990 and 2018, but only drew. Now, the Pharaohs sit atop Group G going into the final game vs. Iran.
Belgium entered as the favorites to win the group, but have two draws in two games. The Red Devils will face New Zealand with first place in the group still on the line.
Belgium is currently third based on goals scored, with Iran in second. A hectic finale awaits with the games set for next Friday. But it’s Egypt in the driver’s seat as things stand.