Vancouver was once again under the World Cup’s spell as streets downtown and seats at BC Place were packed to the brim when Egypt took on underdog New Zealand in a Group G match.
Much like Canada, before its resounding win over Qatar, neither Egypt nor New Zealand had ever won a match at the World Cup despite making multiple appearances at the tournament.
That changed for Egypt on Sunday, which came from behind to claim its first-ever victory with Mohamed Salah scoring in the game.
CityNews spoke with fans, saying that this is a landmark moment for the nation.
“This is the first win ever in World Cup history. I think I’m going to faint,” said one fan in Vancouver.
“Just dreaming all your life, all your life, of seeing Egypt doing well on the World Cup stage, as they are always doing on the African Cup stage.”
Another fan said, “It means a lot because Egypt never historically won a single game. So that will make a difference for the entire nation, at home and here; expats are cheering the first win ever.”
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“Team Egypt all the way. This is the first time we have ever had anything like this in Canada. It is an honour to be a Canadian and an Egyptian,” said another fan.
An Egyptian couple said that Egyptians are standing behind their team.
The win puts Egypt into Group G’s top spot, and a draw with Iran in its next match would guarantee it moves ahead into the knockout stage.
Vancouver is vibrating as these games take place, but things could reach a whole new level on Wednesday when Canada takes on a strong Swiss team with a chance to advance to the round of 32.