Lukaku sparks Belgium comeback to draw Egypt 1-1 in World Cup Group G opener

Egypt were denied their first-ever FIFA World Cup win despite a quick strike from Emam Ashour as Romelu Lukaku forced an own goal equaliser within the first minute of coming on the pitch, with Belgium playing a 1-1 draw at Seattle on Tuesday. Egypt, led by iconic Mohamed Salah, is featuring only in its fourth FIFA World Cup and awaits a full quota of points even after playing eight matches in total.Also read: FIFA World Cup fever fuels cyber scams The clash was also a battle between Belgium's Kevin de Bruyne and Salah, former Premier League rivals in Manchester City and Liverpool colours, respectively. In the 19th minute, Salah, celebrating his 34th birthday, earned a World Cup goal involvement as after finding some space, he fed Ashour with a low pass, who came from the left flank and wasted no time in firing a low finish past Belgium goalie Thibaut Courtois. Salah also became the first African player on record (since 1966) to secure a goal involvement in a World Cup match on their birthday. The scoreline was undisturbed heading into the first half, with Belgium having superior ball possession of 58 per cent, seven shots and 14 touches in the opposition's box, as compared to Egypt's 42 per cent ball possession, just four shots and touches in the opposition's box.Also read: FIFA World Cup 2026 opening weekend draws 100 million viewers across Zee platforms Soon after the break, Zico and Omar Marmoush were denied their chances at doubling their side's lead against defenders Timothy Castagne and Brandon Mechele. In the 53rd minute, a De Bruyne strike hit the post, denying Belgium a chance to level the scores. De Bruyne wasted another chance, but in the 65th minute, out came Lukaku on the pitch, looking to create an impact. Just within 22 seconds of his arrival, Lukaku forced an own goal out of Mohamed Hany from a cross by Thomas Meunier, levelling the scores. Belgium tried to make their chances, but Egyptian goalie Mostafa Shobier defended superbly against Brandon Mechele's header, while Lukaku also missed a late chance. The scoreline could not be changed despite five minutes of extra time, and the game ended in a draw.

Romelu Lukaku's dramatic 23-second impact off the bench saved Belgium from an opening World Cup upset, securing a 1-1 draw against a spirited Egypt. Despite trailing to Emam Ashour's goal, the Red Devils, heavily reliant on veterans, narrowly avoided a shock defeat. Coach Rudi Garcia stressed the need for improvement ahead of their crucial match against Iran.

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku celebrates their first goal, an own goal scored by Egypt's Mohamed Hany (left). Photo: Reuters Belgium came from behind to draw 1-1 with Egypt in their World Cup opener in Seattle, with the second-half introduction of record goal-scorer Romelu Lukaku forcing the own goal which salvaged a point for his side.

Belgium and Egypt played to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup group stage opener. Romelu Lukaku’s presence forced an own goal, spoiling Mohamed Salah’s birthda Read More: https://punchng.com/belgium-fight-back-to-draw-with-egypt-in-world-cup-group-game/

Emam Ashour opened the scoring early in the first half, before Romelu Lukaku came off the bench after the hour to force Egypt's Mohamed Hany into an own goal.

Romelu Lukaku’s mere presence sparked an attack that led to Belgium’s lone goal only seconds after he entered as a second-half substitute, helping his team earn a 1-1 draw with Egypt on Monday at the World Cup.