Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 in their World Cup opener on Monday after a second-half Belgian equaliser, with Emam Ashour opening the scoring early in the first half in Seattle before Romelu Lukaku came off the bench after the hour to force Egypt’s Mohamed Hany into an own goal.
The draw means that seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions Egypt’s wait for a first victory at a World Cup continues, as this is their fourth participation in the global showpiece, with Group G fixtures to come against Iran and New Zealand.
For Belgium, who are now without a win in their last three World Cup matches, going back to their group stage exit in 2022, this tournament is likely the last chance for the remnants of their golden generation to better their third-place finish in Russia eight years ago.
Egypt’s 18-year-old Barcelona forward Hamza Abdelkarim said every game for them has got to be three points, while Belgium coach Rudi Garcia praised Lukaku’s impact off the bench, stating that the opening match of a competition like the World Cup is always tough, especially against one of Africa’s top teams.
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