Egypt's 3-1 win over New Zealand sparked scenes of joy among the team's players and staff as the country celebrated its maiden World Cup victory, 92 years after its first appearance.
Star winger Mohammed Salah was among the scorers in the comeback win in Vancouver on Sunday, which leaves the Pharaohs top of their group and in pole position to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time.
"It's incredible," said the 34-year-old, who is leaving Liverpool this summer. "I don't know how to express it in words."
"It's a great achievement for all the players, for the staff, so hopefully we can carry on like this in the group, and we can write history and qualify (to the knock-outs) – and in years to come it will be remembered as one the best achievements in the history (of Egyptian football)."
As coach Hossam Hassan took to the podium following the game, journalists began clapping in unison.
“I want to tell all Egyptians that I love them. We’ve worked so hard to make you happy,” said Hassan at the press conference, before even being asked a question. “You deserve nothing but the best.”
The victory over New Zealand, which followed an impressive performance in the 1-1 draw against Belgium last Monday, propelled Egypt to first place in Group G on four points.
Belgium played out a 0-0 draw with Iran, the Pharaohs' next opponents in Seattle on Friday, to leave both on two points.
While Egypt have not yet mathematically qualified for the knockout rounds, they can finish no lower than third in the group even if they lose to Iran, and their four points are highly likely to be sufficient to qualify as one of the eight best third-place finishers.
Victory over Iran would guarantee top spot and a Round of 32 match against a third-place finisher, ahead of a potential tie with co-hosts the United States in the Round of 16.
Long a powerhouse in African football, Egypt are seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, most recently in 2010.
But the Pharaohs have until now been unable to replicate their success on the global stage.
Their first appearance in 1934, before the introduction of a group stage, resulted in a 4-2 loss to Hungary in Naples.
In 1990, two draws and a defeat were not enough to see them through to the next round, while at Russia 2018 they lost all three games.
