Mohamed Salah dragged Egypt to history on Sunday — and he was in no mood to let the moment pass quietly.
His side came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 at BC Place in Vancouver, claiming their first-ever win at a World Cup. Egypt had reached the tournament in 1934, 1990 and 2018 without ever taking three points. Salah ended that wait, scoring one goal and setting up another to turn the game around.
When the final whistle blew, the celebrations poured out of the stadium and onto the streets of Vancouver, with Salah right in the thick of it.
Mohamed Salah delivers on the biggest stage for Egypt
The game itself did not start well. Finn Surman headed New Zealand in front in the 15th minute, and Egypt went in behind at the break for the first time in their World Cup history.
Mostafa Zico levelled with a header just before the hour. Then came Salah. The 34-year-old swept home a low finish in the 67th minute to put Egypt ahead for the first time.
His corner from the left then found substitute Trezeguet, who forced in the third with eight minutes left. One goal, one assist, a fitting way for the captain to lead Egypt to a result they had chased for 92 years.
And the party did not stop at full time. Footage posted to X by The Anfield Wrap showed Salah in the thick of it, lifted onto the shoulders of Egypt supporters, dancing as the celebrations spilled out of BC Place and into the city streets.
The win does not seal qualification just yet. But four points from two games leaves the Pharaohs top of Group G, with a final match against Iran to come on Friday.
For Salah and Egypt, the goal will be to keep the celebrations going for a few more weeks.
