Lukaku’s instant impact rescues Belgium as Egypt own goal forces Group G draw

Early blow and Egypt’s composure

Belgium’s campaign began nervously under 28‑°C skies at Lumen Field. After a cautious opening, Egypt struck in the 19th minute. Mohamed Salah, celebrating his 34th birthday, collected the ball centrally and fed Emam Ashour, who unleashed a fierce drive from just outside the penalty area. Thibaut Courtois could not keep it out. Hossam Hassan’s side, well‑structured in a compact 4‑3‑3, then retreated and dared Belgium to break them down. Mostafa Ziko and Omar Marmoush each tested Courtois as Egypt looked to double the lead on the counter.

Belgium’s sterile possession

Rudi Garcia’s team hogged the ball but moved it too slowly. Jeremy Doku, lively on the flank, saw his runs stifled by veteran right‑back Mohamed Hany. Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium’s chief creator, was largely smothered until a 53rd‑minute free‑kick that curled against the post. Belgium had arrived with a formidable qualifying record (five wins and three draws, 29 goals scored, De Bruyne netting six) while Egypt also went unbeaten through their Confederation‑controlled path. The half‑time deficit remained a single goal, but Belgium had not registered a shot on target that truly troubled Mostafa Shobeir.

Lukaku’s entrance flips the script

The game turned when Romelu Lukaku replaced Charles De Ketelaere in the 66th minute. Almost immediately, De Bruyne delivered a low ball along the byline. Under heavy pressure from Lukaku, Hany turned the cross into his own net, levelling the score. The own goal—Egypt’s second “African” goal of the night, as all three goals across the day’s matches that featured African sides were scored by African players—sparked a frantic final phase.

Late pushes and the bigger picture

Egypt responded by introducing fresh legs, but neither Mohamed Zizo nor Ibrahim Adel could find a winner. Belgium brought on Hans Vanaken and Matias Fernandez‑Pardo but could not manufacture a clear chance. The 1‑1 draw leaves Group G wide open: Iran and New Zealand meet on Tuesday. Belgium, playing their fourth consecutive World Cup, remain favourites on paper, but Egypt’s robust performance suggests the group will be far from straightforward. The Pharaohs, still chasing their first ever victory at a World Cup, take a valuable point into their remaining fixtures. The result capped a day of surprises: earlier, Spain were held 0‑0 by Cape Verde, and Sweden cruised past Tunisia 5‑1.