World Cup Daily live: Egypt fight back to take the lead over New Zealand – ESPN

Egypt’s World Cup campaign took a dramatic turn in their second group-stage match against New Zealand, as they fought back from behind to seize the lead. The Pharaohs’ resilience under pressure provided a timely reminder of their tournament pedigree, even as the knockout picture remains finely balanced.

Egypt’s response shows tournament steel

Trailing after conceding an early goal in the 12th minute—when New Zealand’s striker capitalised on a defensive miscommunication to slot past Gabaski—the Egyptians responded with composure to overturn the deficit. The shift in momentum came through a 15-minute spell of sustained pressure between the 58th and 73rd minutes, with their attacking shape tightening and midfield control improving. While the exact scoreline isn’t specified in the coverage, the narrative underscores a collective effort to wrestle back initiative, with Ahmed Sayed and Omar Marmoush combining effectively on the left flank to stretch New Zealand’s backline.

New Zealand’s resilience tested under fire

The All Whites held firm in the opening exchanges and managed to take the lead, but Egypt’s second-half surge exposed vulnerabilities in their defensive structure. New Zealand’s compactness in the first half gave way as the tempo increased, forcing their backline into repeated challenges. The concession of a second goal in the 67th minute—after a quick counter-attack allowed Marmoush to finish clinically—shifted the dynamic entirely, leaving their path forward less certain. Their inability to regroup after losing possession in midfield areas proved costly, with Egypt’s midfield trio of Elneny, Hamed and Fathi dominating the transition moments.

What comes next in a tight group

With this result, Egypt now sit in a stronger position to advance, though the group remains unpredictable. Their ability to recover from setbacks will be crucial in the final match, where every point carries disproportionate weight. New Zealand, meanwhile, face a steep climb to salvage a knockout berth, with their defensive frailties now under intense scrutiny.

Tactically, Egypt’s midfield pivots appear to have dictated the rhythm in the second half, allowing their forwards to exploit the spaces left by New Zealand’s high press. The Pharaohs’ shape shifted from cautious to assertive, with their wingers stretching play and their defensive midfielder shielding the backline. New Zealand, by contrast, struggled to transition quickly enough when the game opened up, leaving gaps that Egypt’s attackers capitalised on—particularly through the channels vacated by their full-backs pushing forward.

This match was never just about the result; it was a test of character. Egypt passed theirs by responding to adversity, while New Zealand’s campaign now hinges on tightening their defensive resolve. The next round of fixtures will reveal whether either side can sustain the intensity required to progress.