INGLEWOOD, Calif. — After spending part of its World Cup preparations in Spokane, Egypt made history Sunday night.
Egypt rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat New Zealand 3-1, securing the country’s first-ever World Cup victory and moving to the top of Group G with one match remaining.
New Zealand struck first on a Finn Surman header in the 15th minute and carried a 1-0 lead into halftime. But Egypt responded after the break, beginning with a Mostafa Ziko equalizer in the 58th minute.
Team captain Mohamed Salah then delivered the go-ahead goal in the 67th minute before Trézéguet added an insurance tally to seal the win.
The result gives Egypt four points through two matches and puts the Pharaohs in position to win Group G heading into Friday’s matchup with Iran.
The victory also creates the possibility of a future knockout-round meeting with the United States, which has already secured first place in Group D.
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