Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 in their World Cup Group G opener in Seattle. Emam Ashour put Egypt ahead after 19 minutes. Romelu Lukaku forced an own goal in the second half within seconds of his introduction.
Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 in their World Cup Group G opener in Seattle. Emam Ashour put Egypt ahead after 19 minutes. Romelu Lukaku forced an own goal in the second half within seconds of his introduction.
Egypt struck first, against the run of play, in the 19th minute. Mohamed Salah threaded a pass to Emam Ashour, who drilled a low finish past Thibaut Courtois for his first international goal in his 30th cap. It was only the second time Egypt had ever led in a World Cup match.
Belgium chased an equaliser and finally got it in the 66th minute. Seconds after entering the field, Romelu Lukaku charged onto a Thomas Meunier cross and unsettled defender Mohamed Hany, who turned the ball into his own net.
What the managers said
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia accepted his side fell short before the break. "We should have been better as a team in the first half," he said.
Garcia singled out the effect of his match-changing substitute. "I'm happy for him, and when you're an opponent, and you see Lukaku coming onto the pitch, you're probably quaking in your boots, and your level of concern is probably on the rise," he added.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan left frustrated, convinced his team had let a win slip. "We are definitely not here just to make up the numbers. The win was in our hands today," he said.
Hassan also disputed a refereeing call. "We had a clear penalty that wasn’t given, and what I find strange is that the referee didn’t consult VAR. If it had been against us, it would have been awarded," he said. He praised his players, telling FIFA: "Belgium are one of the best national teams in the world, but we were the better side and the closest team to winning. The chances were in our favour."
Egypt's wait for a first World Cup win goes on at a fourth tournament, a drought now stretching 92 years. The Pharaohs created better openings and led for 47 minutes before Hany's intervention.
Belgium's stuttering tournament record continues too. They went out in the group stage in 2022 and have not won any of their last three World Cup matches. Garcia's side dominated possession but failed to register a shot on target in the first half.
Both teams will play their next World Cup match on 22 June. Belgium meet Iran, while Egypt face New Zealand as the Pharaohs look to break their World Cup hoodoo.
