News Focus
- Emam Ashour gave Egypt a 19th-minute lead with a superb long-range strike
- Romelu Lukaku forced an own goal just 22 seconds after coming off the bench to secure a 1-1 draw
- Mohamed Salah provided the assist while playing in a new central role on his 34th birthday
- The result means Egypt still search for their first-ever World Cup win after 92 years of trying
- Kevin De Bruyne hit the post with a second-half free kick for Belgium
Egypt remain without a World Cup victory in their history after Belgium snatched a late equaliser in their Group G clash at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field. The Red Devils needed just 22 seconds of Romelu Lukaku’s introduction to force an own goal and rescue a 1-1 draw in front of 66,775 fans.
The seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions appeared set to end their long wait for a win at the tournament when Emam Ashour fired a superb long-range effort past Thibaut Courtois in the 19th minute. The strike came from an assist by Mohamed Salah, who was celebrating his 34th birthday with a new central playmaking role.
Belgium struggled to create clear chances during the opening period. Jeremy Doku missed a close-range volley before half-time, while Kevin De Bruyne struck the woodwork from a free kick after the break. The Manchester City midfielder also forced a save from Mostafa Shobier, who later denied Brandon Mechele with an excellent stop.
The decisive moment arrived in the 66th minute. Thomas Meunier delivered a cross from the right, and substitute Lukaku’s presence caused Mohamed Hany to turn the ball into his own net. The Napoli striker nearly won it late on but headed over the crossbar.
Salah’s assist made him the first African player since records began in 1966 to register a World Cup goal involvement on his birthday. Egypt manager Hossam Hassan deployed the former Liverpool star as a number ten, allowing Mostafa Zico to operate on the right flank.
The result leaves Egypt facing New Zealand next, while Belgium will take on Iran in their second group match.