MICHAEL McGlinchey played an integral role as New Zealand kept their hopes of progression to the quarterfinals of the 2012 London Olympics alive courtesy of a 1-1 draw with Egypt on Sunday.

MICHAEL McGlinchey played an integral role as New Zealand kept their hopes of progression to the quarterfinals of the 2012 London Olympics alive courtesy of a 1-1 draw with Egypt on Sunday.

Backing up from the Olywhites- first game of Group C against Belarus three days prior, McGlinchey again played the full ninety minutes, this time at Manchester-s revered Old Trafford Stadium.

Indeed it was from McGlinchey-s corner in the 17th minute that Chris Wood netted the games opening goal after midfielder Tommy Smith had headed the ball on.

Unfortunately for Neil Emblen-s team, Mohamed Salah equalised for ‘The Pharaohs- just five minutes before half time.

Both teams had chances to win the game in the final 20 minutes of the matches played in front of a crowd of over 50,000 people.

And despite doing well to steer his diving header on goal, McGlinchey-s opportunity to win the game was thwarted by a fine save from Egypt custodian Ahmed Elshenaw.

New Zealand-s final group game of the 2012 London Games is against South American powerhouse and one of the competition-s favourites Brazil on Wednesday (UK time).

The Olywhites must beat Brazil at Newcastle-s St James- Park to and hope Belarus defeat Egypt in order to progress to the quarterfinals.