Story by Anashe Murombedzi
EGYPT boosted their hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stages after securing a historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand, their first-ever win at the global showpiece.
Inspired by talisman Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs produced a commanding display to move to the top of Group G with four points from two matches.
The result, coupled with the draw between Belgium and Iran, leaves Egypt firmly in control of their destiny ahead of their final group-stage encounter against Iran.
Victory in that match will guarantee Egypt a place in the Round of 32, while New Zealand face an uphill task after collecting just one point from their opening two fixtures.
In another Group G encounter, Uruguay and Cape Verde played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Miami.
Cape Verde, one of the tournament’s four debutants, continues to impress on the world stage and remains firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds with two points from two matches.
The island nation will head into its final group fixture against Saudi Arabia with confidence after the Saudis’ disappointing start to the tournament.
Meanwhile, attention now turns to later fixtures, with defending champions Argentina set to face Austria, while France take on Iraq in another key World Cup clash.
