by Ayomide Balogun
In a thrilling Group G opener at Lumen Field in Seattle, Belgium and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw on Monday, denying the Pharaohs a historic first-ever World Cup victory while highlighting the competitive balance in what promises to be an intriguing group.
A crowd of 66,775 watched as Egypt took a surprise lead through a stunning strike from Emam Ashour in the 19th-20th minute, assisted by Mohamed Salah. The midfielder unleashed a powerful right-footed drive from outside the box that left Thibaut Courtois with little chance, marking only the second time Egypt had led in a World Cup match.
Belgium, ranked higher and expected to dominate, struggled to create clear chances in the first half despite controlling more of the ball. Manager Rudi Garcia’s side lacked cutting edge until the introduction of substitute Romelu Lukaku.
The equalizer came just seconds after Lukaku entered in the 66th minute. His purposeful run down the middle unsettled the Egyptian defense, forcing Mohamed Hany to turn a dangerous cross into his own net. Reports noted the goal arriving around 22-23 seconds after the big striker’s arrival, underscoring his immediate impact
Both teams created two big chances and missed opportunities to secure all three points. Egypt’s Mostafa Shobeir made key saves, while Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne and others squandered promising positions late on.
Egypt, managed by Hossam Hassan, set up compactly and countered effectively. Salah was influential in creating the opener, while Ashour earned Man of the Match honors for his goal and energetic display. Young substitute Hamza Abdelkarim also impressed in a record-breaking cameo.
Belgium lined up with Courtois in goal and a mix of experience and youth, including De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, and Charles De Ketelaere. Lukaku’s introduction shifted momentum, but the Red Devils could not find a winner despite late pressure.
This was one of several draws on a day where multiple matches ended level. Egypt extended their unwanted record of never winning a World Cup game but showed they can compete with stronger European sides, having beaten Belgium in a 2022 friendly. Belgium, aiming to improve on their 2022 group-stage exit, dropped two points but remain well-placed in Group G alongside Iran and New Zealand.
Both sets of fans applauded the entertainment in the roofed stadium. Egypt celebrated a valuable point and strong performance, while Belgium will reflect on slow starts and profl
Belgium face Iran next, while Egypt take on New Zealand. With points shared and the group still wide open, both teams will view this as a platform rather than a setback. The result serves as a reminder that at the World Cup, no match is straightforward.
