VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Mohamed Salah scored the go-ahead goal and Egypt defeated New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday night for its first championship. world cup win.
Salah celebrated his 68th international goal by pumping his fist in the 67th minute before being jostled by his teammates, thrilling red-clad Pharaohs fans in the packed BC Place Vancouver crowd.
When Salah came on as a substitute in the 85th minute, he was greeted with a standing ovation.
Egypt moved to the top of Group G with the win, but their place in the final round was not yet confirmed. The Pharaohs will play a deciding game against Iran in Seattle on Friday, but will need at least a draw to advance.
Egypt will be participating in the World Cup for the fourth time after missing the Qatar tournament four years ago. Salah scored two goals at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Finn Surman put New Zealand ahead in the 15th minute with a flying header from a corner kick. Instagram sensation Tim Paine. It was the third international goal for the 6-foot-3 defender, who plays for MLS side Portland Timbers.
Omar Marmouche’s free kick fell to Salah in the 35th minute, but it went just wide of the target and into the side netting.
Egypt increased the pressure from their own half, and Mostafa Zico broke through with an equalizer, finding space between Thurman and Payne to head home, which goalkeeper Max Crocombe was able to connect with his hands but was unable to stop in the 58th minute. Zico celebrated by gesturing to the fans in the crowd to cheer.
Salah scored the goal after receiving a backheel pass from Zico, moving him one step closer to equaling coach Hossam Hassan as the national team’s all-time top scorer. Egypt scored in the 82nd minute with Trezeguet’s diving header.
Egypt’s Hamdi Fathy was substituted late in the first half due to an injury near the ball. His successor was Ramy Rabia.
In the opening match against Belgium, Imam Ashour scored an early goal for Egypt, but Romelu Lukaku came on as a substitute and caused chaos in the box, resulting in an own goal. In case of a 1-1 draw.
New Zealand led twice in the group opener against Iran, but gave up the lead in just one second. In the end it was a 2-2 draw. Elijah Just scored both goals for the All Whites.
New Zealand participated in the 2010 World Cup and drew all three matches.
iran and belgium A scoreless draw earlier in the day in Inglewood, Calif., marked the second consecutive tie for both teams in the tournament. New Zealand will return to Vancouver on Friday to take on Belgium.
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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup
