Belgium, Egypt share spoils in World Cup thriller
Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to help Belgium snatch a 1-1 draw against Egypt in a Group G World Cup clash on Monday.
The Napoli forward was left on the bench after an injury-ravaged season but the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard and Jeremy Doku started for the Red Devils.
Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead in the 21st minute with a stunning finish against the run of play.
Lukaku came off the bench in the second half and he played a key role in the equaliser.
He connected with Thomas Meunier’s low cross in the box before the ball hit Egypt defender Mohamed Hany to sail into the net for an own goal.
De Bruyne’s free kick hit the cross bar as Belgium bumped forward in search for a winner.
Read Also: Cape Verde frustrate Spain to earn first-ever World Cup point
Both teams failed to add to their tally as the game ended 1-1.
Egypt have now failed to win any of their eight games since their World Cup debut 92 years ago.
Belgium will play their second Group G against Iran on Sunday while Egypt will take on New Zealand a day after.
Top Stats From Belgium vs Egypt
34 – With his assist for Egypt’s opening goal against Belgium, Mohamed Salah is the first African player on record (since 1966) to register a FIFA World Cup goal involvement on their birthday.
Belgium have only scored two goals at the World Cup since beating England in the 3rd-placed play-offs back in 2018.
There have now been more own goals at the 2026 World Cup than there were at the 2022 World Cup:
2022:
◎ Nayef Aguerd vs Canada
◎ Enzo Fernandez vs Australia
2026:
◎ Damian Bobadilla vs USA
◎ Miro Muheim vs Qatar
◎ Mohamed Hany vs Belgium
