Big star Mohamed Salah, 34, was behind Egypt’s first ever World Cup victory.
He scored and assisted in the return against New Zealand.
– We have written history, says Salah.
Egypt have won the African Championships seven times but had never won a World Cup match. Not in 1934, 1990 or 2018.
Against New Zealand, the historic victory came at the ninth attempt.
Egypt won 3–1, but it was New Zealand’s Finn Surman who gave his team the lead in the first half.
The coach in tears
In the second half, Egypt switched gears and the main roles were played by Mohamed Salah and Mostafa Ziko. After Ziko’s equaliser, the two squared off in the attacking penalty area and Salah slotted in the 2–1 goal midway through the second half.
Salah then hit the corner which Trézéguet headed home to make it 3–1.
– I can’t find any words to describe this achievement. It’s a great performance from all the players. We have made history and everyone will remember this. I think it is the greatest achievement in the history of Egyptian football, Salah told Bein Sports.
Salah has now scored 67 goals in the national team and the record holder Hossam Hassan has scored 69. Nowadays, Hassan is the national team captain and he cried after the historic victory.
– The arena was packed with supporters, as if it were Cairo Stadium. I thank all the Egyptian people – the simple, kind-hearted people. The women, the children, my wife and my children, says Hassan according to Yallakora.
Leads the group
Egypt has four points after two games and promotion from WC Group G is practically complete.
For Egypt to miss the round of 16, there must be a loss against Iran in the last group stage match while Belgium wins against New Zealand. In addition, eight other group threes must also have a better table row than Egypt for the team to go out.
– It is true that we have taken four points and lead the group, but the next match is very important. We will celebrate this achievement today and then we will start focusing on the next game, says Mohamed Salah.
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