Egypt’s star is turning up the heat
First the shock, then the perfect half
Updated June 22, 2026 – 5:28 amReading time: 2 minutes
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After falling behind early, Egypt looks vulnerable. But in the second half, Salah and Co. turned up the heat. The chances of moving into the knockout round are now excellent.
The Egyptian national team has averted a football disgrace and with the first victory in one WM made a huge step towards the round of 16. Star striker Mohamed Salah and his team made a brilliant comeback in a 3-1 (0-1) win against outsiders New Zealand in Vancouver, which was rewarded with victory. Egypt leads Group G after two matchdays.
Finn Surman (14th minute) gave New Zealand the lead after a corner from social media star Tim Payne. After the break, Mostafa Ziko (58th) scored the deserved equalizer in front of 52,497 spectators before Salah scored on an assist from the outstanding Ziko. Substitute Trézéguet scored the final point (82′).
Egypt therefore has the best chance of making it to the round of 32. If Salah’s team gets a point on Saturday night (5:00 a.m./CET), they will advance. But given four points, even a defeat against Iran could be enough. At the same time, New Zealand meets the previously weak Belgians.
The ex-Frankfurt player Marmoush was well defended.
Egypt turns up the heat after the break
With the roof closed, New Zealand showed a courageous performance from the start. Surman’s powerful header immediately followed a great chance that attacker Elijah Just missed. The 26-year-old scored both goals in the 2-2 draw against Iran in the first group game, making him the top scorer in New Zealand’s World Cup history.
Egypt tried again and again through their strikers Salah and Omar Marmoushwhich was acquired from Frankfurt a year ago for 80 million euros Manchester Citypulled. But the Stars either shot wide before the break or were denied by strong goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
Final point by Trézéguet
The seven-time African champion then took control – and was rewarded for the great effort. But initially it wasn’t Salah or Marmoush, but Ziko, who headed a precise cross past Crocombe into the net.
