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. Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zico and Trezeguet scored after Finn Surman had given New Zealand an early lead in the Group G match in Vancouver.
Egypt's historic victory
The victory puts Egypt top of Group G on four points, needing just a draw against Iran in Seattle on Friday to advance to the last 32. Salah's goal came after he exchanged passes with Zico and curled a left-footed shot in the 67th minute. Salah then assisted substitute Trezeguet for a low header to make the game safe.
“In years to come we will remember that this was one of the achievements in history,” Salah said. 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.” Egypt had trailed after Surman's towering header in the 15th minute, but Zico equalized with a header from Mohamed Hany's cross.
Spain dominates Saudi Arabia
Lamine Yamal made a goalscoring return for Spain as the European champions thrashed Saudi Arabia 4-0 on Sunday. The 18-year-old opened the scoring after 10 minutes in Atlanta, ghosting in at the back post to tuck away Mikel Oyarzabal's low cross. Oyarzabal then scored twice in three minutes to make it 3-0 after 24 minutes.
Spain's fourth goal came in the 49th minute when Marc Cucurella's shot was saved by Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais but deflected off defender Hassan Al-Tambakti into the net. Spain coach Luis De la Fuente said criticism of their opening 0-0 draw with Cape Verde fueled the response. “When someone questions your work, it is only human that anyone with courage and pride reacts to prove people wrong,” he said.
The win leaves Spain top of Group H with four points. Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitao Brito, known as “Bubista,” vowed his team will play “without fear” against Uruguay later Sunday. “We didn’t come just to take part. We want to play all the matches and to be able to show that we have the level to take on the best teams in the world,” he added.
Belgium frustrated by Iran
In Los Angeles, Belgium remain winless after a 0-0 draw with Iran in Group G. The Red Devils, who also drew with Egypt, finished with 10 men after Nathan Ngoy was sent off for hauling down striker Mehdi Taremi following a mis-hit backpass. Iran had a goal by Taremi ruled out by VAR from a clever first-half free-kick.
For the second Iran game running, protesters from Los Angeles' large Persian exile community gathered at the stadium to chant against the country's regime. Inside, Iran's anthem again drew boos and whistles, while players were cheered. The result means all three Group G games have ended in draws. Belgium will target a big win against New Zealand on Friday.
Japan dominates Tunisia
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his side after a 4-0 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey on Saturday. Despite missing injured playmaker Takefusa Kubo, Japan were dominant and moved closer to the knockout rounds while eliminating Tunisia. “It was our second game of the World Cup, a match of high tension, and one that people all over the world were watching. I am very happy that we were able to secure a victory in such a game,” he said.
Moriyasu highlighted the squad depth: “As a team, seeing players pick up injuries is, of course, highly regrettable and a painful blow. However, we have built this squad around the concept of whoever steps onto the pitch can win, and whoever partners up can function effectively.”
