How an Egyptian coach’s pep talk inspired a historic FIFA World Cup win against New Zealand

Egypt made history on Sunday by recording their first ever victory in FIFA World Cup history. Egypt, who went winless in their previous World Cup appearances in 1934, 1990 and 2018, finally ended the drought with a memorable 3-1 victory over New Zealand at BC Place. However, the result might not have been possible had coach Hossam Hassan not delivered an exciting message at half-time.

Hassan urged his players to believe in themselves, draw strength from the unwavering support of the Egyptian fans and honor the efforts of previous generations that paved the way for the team to return to the global stage.

Trailing 1-0 at the break, Egypt emerged with renewed intent and intensity in the second half. Goals from Mostafa Zico, Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Trezeguet completed a remarkable comeback and sealed the historic victory of the pharaohs.

“I told the players at half-time that we will not return to the pitch unless we are determined to win and take confidence from the pride we feel from this support,” Hassan told reporters after the match.

“We, the Egyptian football community, needed time to build confidence, capitalize on our strengths and reflect on our path to qualification, as well as the hard work of previous generations who tried to create these opportunities.

“I wanted this generation to shape their own future, to determine their own path. We also want to continue to develop at the national league level and across African football,” Hassan added.

HOW EGYPT BOUNCED BACK IN STUNNING NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand implemented a disciplined first-half strategy, mixing direct play with controlled possession to good effect. Their approach paid off when defender Finn Surman opened the scoring from a corner and shook off Ahmed Fatouh before heading past the keeper.

The Kiwis almost doubled their advantage earlier through Callum McCowatt whose glancing header was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar. However, the momentum shifted after the interval as Egypt came out with more urgency. Mostafa Zico equalized in the 58th minute when he met Mohamed Hany’s encouraging cross from the right with a well-placed header.

Nine minutes later, Mohamed Salah sent the crowd into celebration. The forward combined neatly with Zico in a quick one-two before calmly finishing into the far corner to put Egypt ahead.

Salah came close to adding another goal in the 81st minute, but his deflected effort sailed over the bar. However, he turned the provider from the ensuing corner and delivered the ball for substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet, who stooped to head at the near post to seal the win.

The win moved Egypt to the top of Group G with four points from two games after an opening 1-1 draw against Belgium. They next face Iran in their final group stage match after Iran and Belgium shared the spoils in a goalless draw earlier on Sunday.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

22 Jun 2026 14:59 IST