Mohamed Salah has made a career of breaking records, and the Egypt captain added another milestone Sunday, scoring once and providing an assist as the Pharaohs rallied to a 3-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver to secure their first FIFA World Cup victory.
After a relatively subdued final season with Liverpool by the exceptionally high standards he set during his time at Anfield, the 34-year-old has delivered on the biggest stage, contributing one goal and two assists in Egypt's opening two matches of the tournament.
While he may no longer possess the explosive edge that defined much of his illustrious nine-year spell on Merseyside, Salah remains the focal point of Egypt's attack and its most dangerous creative force.
Head coach Hossam Hassan once again positioned Salah in a central playmaking role behind striker Omar Marmoush in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Emam Ashour and Mostafa Zico providing support from the flanks.
The Egypt coach had expressed satisfaction with Salah's adaptation to the unfamiliar position before the match, and the forward again proved influential at BC Place.
