Egypt were simply a class above New Zealand at BC Place, Vancouver, with Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush combining to devastating effect throughout. The Pharaohs' 4-2-3-1 pressed high from the first whistle, forcing the All Whites into long balls that rarely found their target. Salah opened the scoring with a trademark cut inside from the right and a low, curling finish into the far corner — a goal that owed everything to Marmoush's perfectly weighted through ball. New Zealand responded with grit: Chris Wood's 38th-minute header from a Cacace cross gave the All Whites a lifeline and a rousing half-time atmosphere. But Egypt's technical superiority reasserted itself after the break. Marmoush turned provider into scorer in the 57th minute, latching onto Salah's reverse pass and slotting past Crocombe with his left foot. The contest was effectively sealed in the 78th minute when Bindon's clumsy challenge on Hamza Abdelkarim inside the box gave away a penalty, which Abdelkarim converted with ice-cold composure. New Zealand's defensive shape — admirable for long stretches — ultimately couldn't contain the relentless movement of Egypt's front three. Egypt march on with three points; New Zealand will need a result against their remaining opponents to stay in contention.

• Salah registered a goal and an assist — his 12th World Cup goal contribution across qualifying and finals combined.
• Marmoush's brace of contributions (1G, 1A) underlined Egypt's devastating counter-attacking threat.
• Chris Wood's towering header was New Zealand's only shot on target in the first half — classic All Whites resilience.
• Egypt's xG of 3.6 was the highest recorded by any team in Group G's opening round.
• New Zealand's low-block 4-4-2 held Egypt scoreless for 24 minutes before the quality gap told.
• Tyler Bindon's yellow card in the 76th minute leaves him one booking away from suspension in the group stage.