Marmoush aims to emerge from Salah's shadow as Egypt's hero

AI Summary

Omar Marmoush seeks to establish himself as Egypt's football hero, hoping to secure Egypt's first World Cup win and progress beyond the group stage. Egypt faces New Zealand, ranked significantly lower, presenting a strong opportunity for victory.

Omar Marmoush once rejected the chance to play for Canada, but in Vancouver on Sunday will aim to become a national hero back home in Egypt by making World Cup history. The Pharaohs are powerhouses of African football with a record seven continental titles but are yet to win a match in eight games at the World Cup. A meeting with New Zealand, ranked 56 places below Egypt in the FIFA rankings, offers a golden chance for an elusive World Cup victory and with it progress beyond the group stages for the first time.