Mohamed Salah scored one and made one as Egypt finally ended a wait of 33,628 days for their first win at a World Cup with a 3-1 defeat of New Zealand.
It looked like a familiar tale for the Pharaohs when Finn Surman put New Zealand ahead in their Group G clash after 15 minutes.
But Salah inspired the comeback, putting his country in front after Zico had levelled. He then turned provider with the corner that Trezeguet nodded in to put the game beyond the All Whites.
Egypt had never won a game on the global stage having first qualified in 1934 but now sit top of the pool and in pole position to advance to the round of 32.
“It’s incredible. I don’t know how to express it in words,” said Salah. “It’s a great achievement for all the players, for the staff, so hopefully we can carry on like this in the group, and we can write history and qualify – and in years to come it will be remembered as one the best achievements in the history [of Egyptian football]. We have to enjoy today, enjoy tomorrow, then focus on the next game.”
Egypt need just a point against Iran to qualify
That next game comes on Friday night US time as Egypt meet Iran knowing a draw will be enough to advance.
A goal in that game would also make history for Salah as he would equal Egypt coach Hossam Hassan’s record of 69 goals for the country.
Hassan cut an emotional figure after the game, saying: “I am very happy with this victory, and I thank the entire Egyptian people for their support.
“This victory is dedicated to all Egyptians, both men and women. I am extremely happy, and my feelings are similar to those of millions of Egyptians after this win.
“We were successful in the match and put in a great effort, especially after the first half, which we ended with a goal against us. However, our performance improved, and we managed to win in the second half.
“I thank all the players, the technical and administrative staff. Everyone put in great effort to achieve the Egyptians’ dream in the World Cup.”
Hassan was also quick to highlight the fact he had played Salah in a more central position, behind striker Omar Marmoush, rather than on the right.
He added: ”Salah worked hard on the pitch and this is something you should know.
“I am maybe the first coach to let him play in a position that matches his danger, that matches his capabilities and qualities. We worked on so many things and I am sure we are going to see more from him.”
New Zealand facing uphill battle to qualify
It was a frustrating night for New Zealand who bossed the first 45 minutes. Defeat means they must now beat Belgium to stand any chance of going through.
Coach Darren Bazeley said: “It’s disappointing. We were so good in the first half. We dominated possession and created a lot of chances. We came out in the second half and I thought we were okay but we didn’t quite get to the pace of the game.
“Egypt upped the tempo and we couldn’t replicate what we were doing so well in the first half. Ultimately, that hurt us. We’re still one game away from making history. We know we have to beat Belgium now.”
