Salah's World Cup pain ends as he fires Egypt to historic win

Salah's World Cup pain ends as he fires Egypt to historic winTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, Salah scores to help Egypt to first World Cup winByAndy CryerBBC Sport Senior JournalistPublished22 June 2026298 CommentsMohamed Salah's - and Egypt's - World Cup wait is 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."Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mohamed Salah needs one goal to equal his country's scoring recordSalah helps Egypt beat New Zealand to end 92-year wait for World Cup winBust-ups, injuries and defeatsSalah's club future remains uncertain after a forgettable final campaign at Liverpool, which saw him fall out with then manager Arne Slot befor...