Darren Bazeley, Head Coach of New Zealand, looks on before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between New Zealand and Egypt at BC Place Vancouver. AFP
New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley said Monday’s loss to Egypt is a disappointing one, but he believes that his team still has a chance to proceed at the World Cup.
The Pharaohs secured a precious 3-1 comeback win against the All Whites in the second round of the prestigious tournament's group stage.
“It’s disappointing. We were so good in the first half. We dominated possession and created a lot of chances. We came out in the second half, and I thought we were okay, but we didn’t quite get to the pace of the game,” the 53-year-old English coach Bazeley told FIFA.com after the game.
“Egypt upped the tempo, and we couldn’t replicate what we were doing so well in the first half,” he added.
Egypt's win over New Zealand was their first in four World Cup appearances, dating back to their tournament debut in 1934, and moved Hossam Hassan's side to the top of Group G ahead of the final round of group fixtures.
Despite acknowledging the impact of Monday’s defeat, Bazeley said his team’s hopes of reaching the next round for the first time in the country’s history remain alive.
“Ultimately, that hurt us. We’re still one game away from making history. We know we have to beat Belgium now,” he added.
Egypt will conclude their group-stage campaign against Iran on 27 June in Seattle, while New Zealand will face Belgium on the same day.
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