Mohamed Salah’s – and Egypt’s – World Cup nightmares are finally over.
The Egyptian King’s match-winning second-half display against New Zealand helped the Pharaohs to their first-ever World Cup win, at their ninth attempt, and leaves them on the brink of qualifying for the last 32.
Salah’s 67th-minute goal gave Egypt the lead – after they recovered from a shock early New Zealand opener – before his corner was headed home by Trezeguet to seal the historic 3-1 win.
Salah had made a slow start to the tournament, with an ineffectual display in their opening draw with Belgium followed up by a quiet opening half against the Kiwis.
But, just when it looked like his own World Cup nightmares were about to continue, the 34-year-old became the latest superstar to make his mark on the tournament, following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
After a forgettable World Cup campaign in 2018 and failure to qualify four years later in Qatar, Egypt’s greatest player has finally had his moment on the biggest stage.
And he will know a point against Iran will see his country through to the next round – and they may not even need that.
Salah said: “It’s a great achievement for all the players. It’s a great win. It’s a great vibe. The next game is very important.”