Egypt claim historic maiden World Cup victory with 3-1 triumph over New Zealand

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Egypt earned the first World Cup win in their history by beating New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday, putting them on track to reach the knockout round for the first time.

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Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zico and Trezeguet were Egypt’s scorers after Finn Surman had given New Zealand the lead after 15 minutes of the Group G match in Vancouver.

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The victory puts Egypt top of Group G on four points and needing just a draw against Iran in Seattle on Friday to move into the last 32.

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Salah’s goal came after he exchanged passes with Zico — named after the Brazilian legend — and then curled in a shot with his left foot in the 67th minute.

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Salah then provided the assist for substitute Trezeguet — who himself is named after former France forward David Trezeguet — to make the game safe with a low header.

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“In years to come we will remember that this was one of the achievements in history,” Salah said.

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He praised the large Egyptian contingent in the crowd, saying: “It feels like we are playing in Egypt. It’s a great win and great vibe.”

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Egypt had trailed the Kiwis, who opened the scoring through Surman’s towering header after 15 minutes.

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But Zico equalized when he headed in a cross from Mohamed Hany.

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Belgium and Iran drew 0-0 earlier in the other Group G game.

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The Belgians face New Zealand in Vancouver on Friday.

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