Lukaku forces own goal as Belgium hold Egypt to 1-1 draw on Salah's birthday
Romelu Lukaku made an immediate impact off the bench, forcing a Mohamed Hany own goal as Belgium came from behind to hold Egypt to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group G opener in Seattle.
Fast Egyptian start on Salah's birthday
Emam Ashour fired Egypt into a 20th-minute lead at Lumen Field, rifling a powerful shot past Thibaut Courtois after a pass from Mohamed Salah. The goal came on Salah's 34th birthday, raising hopes of a first-ever World Cup victory for the seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions. Egypt looked the sharper side in the first half, with Courtois forced into a save from Mostafa Ziko and later denying Omar Marmoush before the break. Belgium failed to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.
Belgium's second-half response
Rudi Garcia's team raised their intensity after the interval. Kevin De Bruyne struck the post with a free-kick in the 53rd minute, and Youri Tielemans also went close. Egypt remained dangerous on the counter, with Marmoush twice threatening to double the lead. The match stretched, both sides creating half-chances, but Egypt's defensive organisation held firm until a decisive substitution.
Lukaku's instant impact
With 65 minutes gone, Garcia sent on Romelu Lukaku. Within 23 seconds (66th minute), Belgium were level. Thomas Meunier whipped in a cross from the right, and Lukaku's presence in the box forced Mohamed Hany to turn the ball into his own net. The own goal spared Belgium a second straight group-stage exit after their 2022 disappointment and kept the remnants of the golden generation in contention.
Egypt's wait continues
Egypt have still never won a World Cup match, their record now standing at three draws and five defeats across four tournaments. Head coach Hossam Hassan saw his team create the clearer chances, yet a combination of Courtois saves and wasted counter-attacks meant they could not secure the breakthrough. Salah departed late on, his birthday celebration incomplete.
Group G outlook
Both sides picked up a point in a group where they are expected to advance alongside Iran and New Zealand. Belgium face Iran next under pressure to win, while Egypt meet New Zealand with a strong chance of finally claiming that elusive victory.
