Finn Surman heads in the All Whites goal against Egypt during their World Cup match in Vancouver today. Photo: Getty Images

An early goal sent hope through the country, but it was ultimately not enough for the All Whites.

Star winger Mo Salah put Egypt ahead in the 67th minute and provided an 82nd minute assist, dashing Kiwi dreams in Vancouver as the African nation claimed a 3-1 in their second football World Cup game.

Finn Surman climbed high to give the All Whites a 15th-minute lead.

He latched on to a Tim Payne corner, heading home a textbook goal to give New Zealand the early advantage.

Yet for all the attacking that followed, they remained 1-0 at halftime.

And then came the Egyptian backlash.

Egyptian star Mo Salah celebrates scoring against the All Whites in Vancouver this afternoon. Photo: Getty Images

The defence clung on early in the second half, before Mostafa Ziko equalised in the 59th minute, finishing a header of his own.

From there the pressure continued, and it was only eight minutes before Salah calmly slotted past keeper Max Crocombe to make it 2-1.

Trézéguet made it three in the 82nd minute, finishing a corner from Salah to effectively put the game to bed.

The result leaves the All Whites last in their group on one point with a game to play, although still with a chance of advancing to the next round.

Belgium and Iran played out a 0-0 draw earlier today, leaving both tied on two points. Egypt lead the group on four points.

New Zealand now play Belgium at 3pm on Saturday, also in Vancouver, while Egypt face Iran at the same time.

- Allied Media