(Video) The Pharaohs Awaken: How Salah and Zico flipped the script at BC Place

21.06.26 FT World Cup

New Zealand

1

:

Egypt

3

An intense World Cup clash at BC Place sees the Pharaohs battling New Zealand today fighting to overcome an unexpected early setback.

A tough opening 45 minutes

New Zealand pressed hard right from the kickoff and their physical intensity paid off just 15 minutes into the match.

Defender Finn Surman capitalized on poor marking inside the penalty box converting a powerful header from a corner kick to put the All Whites ahead. The trailing side looked entirely disconnected for the remainder of first half struggling to build any attacking momentum and forcing the technical staff to rethink their strategy at the break.

Eight minutes of magic turn the tide

The second half brought a completely different energy. Dominating possession, the team pinned New Zealand deep into their own half.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 59th minute. Right-back Mohamed Hany delivered a pinpoint cross finding Mostafa Zico completely unmarked. Zico met the ball perfectly in the air sending a powerful header past goalkeeper Max Crocombe to level the score.

Just eight minutes later, relentless pressure broke the Kiwi defense once again. In the 67th minute, captain Mohamed Salah stepped up. Using his trademark vision and clinical finishing, the veteran star slotted home the second goal with a brilliant touch.

The strike flipped the match entirely, putting his side firmly in the driver's seat.

Chasing a historic knockout round ticket

If the current 2-1 scoreline holds until the final whistle, the team will leap to the top of Group G with four points. Having already secured a massive 1-1 draw against Belgium in their opening match, a victory here places them on the absolute brink of reaching the 2026 World Cup round of 32.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

New Zealand

Egypt

World Cup