Egypt claim first World Cup win as Salah and Marmoush deliver

Egypt win a World Cup match, for the first time ever

Egypt 3–1 New Zealand on Monday, and it is finally done. The Pharaohs have their first World Cup victory in history (1) (3). Three goals in Vancouver, and a record that sat like a stone for decades is gone.

No one knew quite how to react. The players took the celebration to the streets, hundreds of Egyptian fans, the squad among them, dancing and singing in Vancouver well into the night (2). It was not a polite lap of honour. It was a party.

Mohamed Salah did what Salah does. But afterwards he pushed the spotlight away: "No se trataba sólo de mí", it was not just about me (3). He is right. This was bigger than one man.

Group G just opened up

Spain beat Saudi Arabia 4–0 in the other group match (1). Rodri captained Spain, and Manchester City teammate Omar Marmoush featured for Egypt in their win. Three points on the board, and your team have momentum.

The shirt controversy is not forgotten

FIFA forced Egypt to remove the seven stars above the crest before the tournament, a symbol of those seven Africa Cup of Nations titles. The federation protested publicly, alongside several other African nations. That sting has not faded. Winning helps.

Next: Belgium

Group G is not forgiving. Belgium, post-Golden Generation and rebuilding, await. A win there and the knockout stage becomes real. For now, though, enjoy this one. It took long enough.

Fan reactions

The Vancouver celebration is the story fans cannot stop talking about. One Reddit post captured the mood: "A city that will remain in their hearts forever." The images of supporters and players together in the streets have gone far beyond the Egyptian football community.

See the full discussion on Reddit