New Zealand suffered their first defeat of the Football World Cup after Egypt overturned a halftime deficit to claim a 3-1 victory in Vancouver.
The All Whites produced one of their strongest World Cup first-half displays and took a deserved lead through Finn Surman’s 15th-minute header, marking the first time New Zealand had led at halftime in a World Cup match. However, Egypt responded strongly after the break, with Mostafa Zico equalising in the 58th minute before captain Mohamed Salah put the Pharaohs ahead nine minutes later.
Substitute Trezeguet sealed the result with a late header as Egypt scored three times in 24 minutes to secure their first tournament win and move to the top of Group G. Despite the disappointment, New Zealand remain in contention for a historic place in the knockout stages and must defeat Belgium in their final group match to guarantee progression.
