Mohamed Salah etched his name into the history books as he spearheaded Egypt to their first ever World Cup victory. The 32-year-old winger found the net and provided an assist as the Pharaohs fought back to defeat New Zealand 3-1 and climb to the top of Group G. Finn Surman had given the Kiwis the lead after just 15 minutes.
Salah Leads Egypt to Historic Win
Mostafa Zico equalised just before the hour, before playing in Salah to score and set the BC Place stadium in Vancouver, Canada alive. Salah then set up Trezeguet for a third, before the Premier League legend left the field to a standing ovation. Egypt will face Iran on Friday hoping to advance to the knockout rounds.
Doku Row Rumbles On
Iran and Belgium struggled to a sterile stalemate and were savaged by former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, who branded them "rubbish". The only notable moment of that game was Belgium star Nathan Ngoy's red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Prior to kick-off in Los Angeles, attention focused on the Iranian national side. The national anthem was once again jeered by those in the stadium, with captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh responding to the incident.
Jeremy Doku was absent from the match due to a chest infection, but the Belgium and Manchester City star continues to dominate headlines as the controversy surrounding his upcoming absence rumbles on. With the arrival of his first child on the horizon, the 24-year-old winger has been very clear about his intentions, saying he will fly home when the time is right because "nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child".
L'Equipe presenter France Pierron launched a scathing attack on the winger. She ranted: "You're living out a childhood dream, yet you’re going to walk away from it all to attend the birth of your child - a disgusting moment, if you'll pardon the expression, where the dad is completely useless." She doubled down, adding: "You can't miss a World Cup. And now, you're not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord? I'm sorry, the father serves no purpose. He is an extra. He just holds your hand and takes a photo." She has since been suspended for her remarks and has now issued a grovelling apology, saying: "My intention was never to minimize the place or role of fathers with their partners and children."
England's Huge Injury Boost
England and manager Thomas Tuchel were handed a massive injury boost ahead of their second group fixture against Ghana on Tuesday as Bukayo Saka trained with the squad. The Three Lions will be aiming to secure maximum points and book their place in the next stage of the World Cup, and they'll be lifted by the Arsenal winger's participation after fitness concerns had limited his involvement thus far. The 24-year-old has been managing an Achilles issue in the past.
Uruguay Shellshocked
Uruguay endured a major fright as they fought back from a goal down to take the lead against underdogs Cape Verde, only to blow it and end up drawing. The Cape Verdians took the lead through a spectacular long-range free-kick from Kevin Pina before a dramatic two-goal burst at the close of the first half put the South Americans in command. However, Marcelo Bielsa's men shot themselves in the foot when they were caught out by Helio Varela, who levelled the scores following a disastrous sequence of events.
Darwin Nunez, who has been touted for a shock Liverpool comeback, attempted to be the hero but his woes persisted, unable to spare his country from an embarrassing outcome. Japan meanwhile thrashed Tunisia 4-0, piling more misery on the side who were thumped 5-1 by Sweden. Herve Renard was parachuted in to replace the sacked Sabri Lamouchi, but they were arguably even worse here. Renard, who masterminded Saudi Arabia's famous win over Argentina in 2022, could do nothing to help his side improve.
