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New Zealand coach Darren Bazley has expressed his extreme dismay at his team’s poor second-half performance against Egypt in the second round of the 2026 World Cup group stage.
New Zealand were in front with a clean sheet until the 58th minute when Mustafa Zico equalized for the Pharaohs before Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Trezeguet scored the second and third goals.
Egypt, who drew 1-1 with Belgium in the first round, lead Group Seven with four points, while New Zealand are bottom with one point.
Bazley said in published statements Reuters Network “It’s disappointing. We played well in the first half, scored a great goal and created a lot of chances.”
He continued. “We controlled the ball for most of the first half and we were comfortable. We weren’t in much danger.”
“We spoke well at half-time and reviewed some things that we could have improved a little bit, but we went into the second half and just couldn’t get back the rhythm and quality that we showed in the first half.”
New Zealand coach said. “Egypt came into the second half with a completely different mentality and clearly raised the tone of the game. I think they played a good second half but it’s disappointing that we lost the game. We could have celebrated on the pitch at the end.”
“They have very special players and Salah scored the goal I’ve seen him score in the last ten years when he comes in and shoots with his left foot. But overall, I think we defended very well against players like him for most of the match.”
