New Zealand 1-0 Egypt Half Time Thoughts: New Zealand Deservedly Ahead At The Break

After the earlier game between Belgium and Iran ended in a draw, the two sides would have been well aware that a victory here for either side would not only secure them a first-ever World Cup win but also give them a two-point advantage over the other countries in Group G going into the final match day.

Therefore, it could have been expected to be a nervy affair in the first half, but it has been anything but that. Both sides have taken the game to each other, but it is New Zealand who settled faster, with Egypt looking a bit shaky early on.

The All Whites took the lead in the 15th minute when Finn Surman rose highest to head home from a Tim Payne corner, giving them a deserved lead.

After the hydration break, however, Egypt looked to have finally grown into the game, with Mohamed Salah curling a free-kick from a dangerous area wide of Crocombe's goal, something the 34-year-old would have been disappointed by.

Egypt's defensive structure looked strong in their opening-day draw against Belgium, but they have looked out of sorts at times and vulnerable.

Interested to see how the teams will emerge for the second half, as both sides play knowing history is on the line. Surely another game from this group can't end in a draw...right?