Egypt scripted history on Sunday by recording their first-ever win in FIFA World Cup history. Having gone winless across their previous World Cup appearances in 1934, 1990 and 2018, Egypt finally ended the drought with a memorable 3-1 victory over New Zealand at BC Place. However, the result might not have been possible had coach Hossam Hassan not delivered a stirring message at half-time.
Hassan urged his players to believe in themselves, draw strength from the unwavering support of Egyptian fans and honour the efforts of previous generations who had paved the way for the team’s return to the global stage.
Trailing 1-0 at the break, Egypt emerged with renewed purpose and intensity in the second half. Goals from Mostafa Zico, Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Trezeguet completed a remarkable comeback and sealed a historic victory for the Pharaohs.
“At half-time I told the players we were not going back out onto the pitch unless we were determined to win and to draw confidence from the pride we feel from that support,” Hassan told reporters after the match.
“To the Egyptian football community, we needed time to build confidence, to capitalise on our strengths and reflect on our journey to qualification, as well as the hard work of previous generations who tried to create these opportunities.
“I wanted this generation to shape its own future, to determine its own path. We also want to continue developing at the level of the national league and across African football,” Hassan added.
HOW EGYPT BOUNCED BACK TO STUN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand executed a disciplined first-half strategy, mixing direct play with controlled possession to good effect. Their approach paid off when defender Finn Surman opened the scoring from a corner, shaking off Ahmed Fatouh before powering a header past the goalkeeper.
The Kiwis nearly doubled their advantage earlier through Callum McCowatt, whose glancing header was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar. However, the momentum shifted after the interval as Egypt came out with greater urgency. Mostafa Zico restored parity in the 58th minute, meeting Mohamed Hany’s inviting cross from the right with a well-placed header.
Nine minutes later, Mohamed Salah sent the crowd into celebration. The forward combined neatly with Zico in a quick one-two before calmly finishing into the far corner to put Egypt ahead.
Salah came close to adding another goal in the 81st minute, but his deflected effort sailed over the bar. From the resulting corner, though, he turned provider, delivering the ball for substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet, who stooped to head home at the near post and seal the win.
The victory moved Egypt to the top of Group G with four points from two matches, following their opening 1-1 draw against Belgium. They will next take on Iran in their final group-stage match after Iran and Belgium shared the spoils in a goalless draw earlier on Sunday.
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