Mohamed Salah scored his first World Cup goal as Egypt secured their maiden victory in the tournament, coming from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Group G.
Historic Comeback for the Pharaohs
New Zealand took the lead through Finn Surman's first-half header, but Egypt responded after the break. Zico, named after Brazilian legend Zico, equalised with a free header past Millwall goalkeeper Max Crocombe on the hour mark. Eight minutes later, Salah combined with Zico in a neat one-two before firing a trademark left-footed strike low into the net.
Nine minutes from time, Salah turned provider, his corner headed home by Trezeguet to seal the 3-1 win and move Egypt two points clear at the top of Group G.
Salah Closes in on Egyptian Record
Salah's goal took his international tally to 68, moving him within one goal of equalling the record held by Egypt's head coach Houssam Hassan. He could break the record during the World Cup tournament.
After the match, joyous scenes saw Egyptian players parade the pitch with flags, while New Zealand players queued to swap shirts with Salah.
Liverpool Future in Doubt
The tournament is crucial for Salah, who will become a free agent when the knockout stages begin in July. He endured a difficult final season at Anfield after signing a lucrative two-year deal, with a public fallout with manager Arne Slot leading to a premature contract termination.
Speaking after his emotional Anfield send-off against Brentford on the final day of the Premier League season, Salah said: "I cried a lot – I think more than I did in my whole life! But it's very tough to leave a place like this. Also I cried a bit in the training ground. I'm not really an emotional guy, you guys don't see that in the media that much. You always see me tough, aggressive but inside me I take it like a baby."
He added: "We left our youth here, sharing everything from the beginning until the end. We wouldn't even dream of what we had but we did it for this club. We put it back where it belonged. This is our message to the players in the dressing room. Look, the club now is fighting for everything. The fans will not accept less than that."
Salah and Andy Robertson are moving on as Liverpool enter another transitional phase, with Andoni Iraola taking over after Slot's dismissal.
