World Cup 2026: Why we lost to Egypt – New Zealand coach, Barren Bazeley

New Zealand coach, Barren Bazeley, has explained why his team lost 3-1 against Egypt in Monday’s World Cup clash.

Speaking at his post-match interview after the game, Bazeley said that Egypt upped the tempo of the game in the second half, and his team couldn’t replicate what they were doing so well in the first half.,

Three goals from Mostafa Ziko, Mohamed Salah and Trezeguet gave the Pharaohs the victory against New Zealand.

The result leaves New Zealand at the bottom of Group G with one point from two matches.

“It’s disappointing. We were so good in the first half. We dominated possession and created a lot of chances,” Bazeley said.

“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.

“Egypt upped the tempo and we couldn’t replicate what we were doing so well in the first half.

“Ultimately, that hurt us. We’re still one game away from making history. We know we have to beat Belgium now.”