Mohamed Salah finally delivered on football's biggest stage, scoring the decisive goal and setting up another as Egypt claimed their first World Cup victory in 92 years against New Zealand. The 34-year-old's 67th-minute strike capped a remarkable second-half turnaround after the Kiwis stunned the Pharaohs early. Salah's corner then found Trezeguet to seal a 3-1 triumph that puts Egypt within reach of the knockout stage.

This breakthrough moment arrives after years of World Cup frustration for both player and nation. Salah missed much of the 2018 tournament through injury, while Egypt failed to qualify for Qatar 2022 entirely. His slow start to this campaign - including an ineffective display against Belgium - raised questions about whether his international curse would continue. Instead, Salah joined Messi, Mbappe and other superstars in making their mark when it mattered most.

The win carries enormous weight beyond just three points. Salah's 68 goals in 118 appearances for Egypt underscore his legendary status, with government officials even intervening during past injury scares. Former managers praised his impact, with Ange Postecoglou noting how Egypt's big player stood up when needed most. This victory finally banishes one of Egyptian football's longest-standing ghosts.

Egypt needs just a point against Iran to secure progression, potentially without requiring that result. After 14 years representing his country and falling short in three major finals, Salah has delivered the moment Egyptian football has waited nearly a century to witness - a World Cup win that validates his status as the nation's greatest player.