National media deliver intriguing Chris Wood verdict as New Zealand lose to Egypt

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Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood was unable to give New Zealand the catalyst for a big victory at the World Cup as the All Whites lost 3-1 to Egypt.

Finn Surman gave Wood’s team the lead during the clash, but a rampant second half saw Egypt go top of the group.

Goals from Mostafa Ziko, Mohamed Salah and Trezeguet proved decisive, and Wood is still waiting to get on the score sheet at this year’s World Cup.

🔥If Nottingham Forest keep all four of their current strikers, who should start 2026/27 as the first choice for Vitor Pereira?🤔

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New Zealand now have to beat Belgium to stand any chance of progressing to the knockout stages for the first time, and this is a body blow for Wood and the All Whites.

• READ MORE: Colin Fray shares what he’s heard about Vitor Pereira

New Zealand media only score Chris Wood 5/10

There wasn’t a lot for Wood to shout about here, and it’s a shame that he didn’t manage to get among the goals against Egypt.

The media in New Zealand bemoaned a frustrating performance for the Forest striker and delivered their assessment of him after the match had finished.

The New Zealand Herald scored him 5/10 and said: “Was a constant presence up front for searching crosses and only got one shot away – a header which he didn’t connect with and sent wide of the goal. He worked hard around the pitch early to provide an option and was good in the air, but found himself caught offside a couple of times and faded out of the game in the second half as the All Whites struggled to get into the attacking third.”

Wood will now have to dust himself off and focus on a huge final game in the group stages, with the game to come on Saturday.

After six months out on the sidelines in 2025/26, he won’t want his World Cup to end with a whimper, and he will now take the pressure of a nation upon his shoulders against Belgium.

Wood’s teammates have to get him the ball in the final third for the Forest man to make a difference and after witnessing a drab Belgium performance against Iran, there is still some hope for the All Whites.