Egypt came back against New Zealand in a thrilling encounter, securing a 3-1 victory and edging closer to the Round of 32.
Mohamed Salah was at the centre of Egypt’s victory against New Zealand as the 34-year-old veteran forward looks to help Egypt become one of the potential dark horses of this tournament.
New Zealand came out of the gates and played well in the first half, and a victory from them would all but confirm their spot in the Round of 32.
That was until the Egyptian pharaohs came flying out with all their weapons in the second half. The Egyptian winger, Mostafa Ziko, equalized for the 7-time African Champions with a towering header that proved to be too powerful to stop and keep out of the net for New Zealand keeper, Max Crocombe.
Shortly after, in the 67th minute, Mohamed Salah put Egypt ahead with a low-foot strike to put Egypt in control. Later on in the 82nd minute, Trezeguet sealed the deal as the Al Ahly striker gave the North African giants the much-needed victory they were looking for.
Egypt shifted from their laid-back style of football in the first half to a much more intense, direct style of play, which saw them change the course of the game and turn it in their favor. Egypt will now face Iran in a fixture they will be confident of winning, as they will be looking to seal their place as the Group G winners.
New Zealand will certainly need a miracle against a Belgian side in need of a result, making their final Group G encounter a difficult one. The Kiwis had no response to what Egypt threw at them in the second half.
The odds certainly do not favor New Zealand, but due to the recent upsets there have been during this World Cup, New Zealand will still believe they can put together a suitable final Group Stage result.
