Hamza Abdelkarim is continuing to make history with Egypt this summer. Just one week after becoming the youngest player in the Pharaohs' World Cup history, the 18-year-old was subbed on for goalscorer Mostafa Ziko with his side narrowly up 2-1 over New Zealand. For fifteen minutes, Abdelkarim and Egypt held on, and the Pharaohs eventually scored a third goal to put the game away. It was their first win in World Cup history, 92 years after debuting at the tournament.
New Zealand opened the scoring after just fifteen minutes when defender Finn Surman headed home. The All Whites led for more than forty minutes until Egyptian winger Mostafa Ziko scored a header of his own to pull level. Nine minutes later, Ziko turned creator, assisting Egypt and Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah to put the Pharaohs ahead 2-1.
Egypt continued to push forward and was rewarded in the 82nd minute when Trézéguet, assisted by Salah, scored from a corner kick to double the lead. Egypt held on for the 3-1 win, which puts Hossam Hassan's side first in Group G with four points and in a great position to advance to the knockouts ahead of the final match against Iran.
Abdelkarim was subbed on in the 76th minute and caused problems for the New Zealand defense, just as he did against Belgium a week prior. Salah, in his last action on the pitch, found Abdelkarim in the box minutes after he entered the pitch, and Abdelkarim's header forced a diving save out of Max Crocombe, although it was called back due to a foul.
Deep in added time, Abdelkarim almost led to a fourth Egyptian goal when his well-placed header eluded the New Zealand defense and found winger Zizo in space. After rounding the keeper, Zizo could have either taken the shot himself or found Abdelkarim open for the tap-in, but he waited too long and saw his effort blocked by Crocombe.
Abdelkarim was forced to defend, as well, as Egypt looked to protect its lead. With New Zealand putting bodies up front to try to pull a goal back, the striker had a key clearance at the edge of his box in added time. This clearance led to one last counter opportunity, although ultimately nothing came of it.
The stats through Abdelkarim's first two World Cup games may not blow many away, as he has managed just twelve touches and no shots, at least none that actually counted. However, the 18-year-old has created chances for the Pharaohs, particularly with his near-assist to Zizo against New Zealand on Sunday. He's proving to be an extremely valuable weapon off the bench, and one that Hassan and Salah clearly trust.
Abdelkarim's development this summer continues to be a massive boost for Barcelona and Hansi Flick. Although he has yet to play a match for Barcelona or even Barça Atlètic, the young striker is holding his own against some capable national teams. Should he continue to improve, he is certainly an option for Flick this preseason as Barcelona looks for their future nine in the absence of Robert Lewandowski.
At the very least, Abdelkarim is proving he is more than ready to make the jump to Barça Atlètic, or even a potential loan spell. He has already faced off and performed against defenders from leagues such as Ligue 1 and MLS, and appears to be on the verge of taking Egypt into the knockouts of the World Cup. After all, the tournament is far from over for Egypt and the rising number nine.
The Pharaohs still have one group stage match left as they take on Iran on Friday. A win would cement an unexpected first-place finish in Group G, and even a draw could still be enough to finish on top of the group. Thanks to the earlier draw with Belgium, Egypt already sits on four points, which could be enough to progress to the knockouts as a second or third-place team should Hassan's team lose.
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