Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scored his first goal of the tournament as part of a second-half flurry to deliver Egypt their first World Cup victory, 3-1 over New Zealand on Sunday night in Vancouver.
Both Salah and Mostafa Fathy tallied a goal and an assist as Egypt (1-0-1, 4 points) rallied from a 1-0 halftime hole and took over first place in Group G. Trezeguet scored Egypt's third goal for late insurance.
The first three matches of Group G ended in draws, including Belgium and Iran posting a scoreless tie earlier Sunday, leaving the group open for the taking. New Zealand (0-1-1, 1 point) thought they were on that path after Finn Surman's headed goal off a 15th-minute set piece gave them a lead they held for nearly half the match.
Egypt will finish the group stage against Iran on Friday, all but assured to advance to the knockouts no matter the result. New Zealand, still seeking their own first World Cup win, will take aim at Belgium on the same day in their hopes to advance.
Mostafa Shoubir made four saves for Egypt, while Max Crocombe put up four for New Zealand.
