In a dramatic Group G opener at Seattle Stadium early on June 16 (Vietnam time), Belgium escaped defeat by the narrowest of margins as Romelu Lukaku, barely on the pitch, compelled Egypt to score an own goal, sealing a 1-1 draw.
In the 19th minute, midfielder Emam Ashour unleashed a stunning strike from about 18 meters to give Egypt the lead. It was Ashour’s first international goal in his 30th appearance for the national team.
Earlier, coach Hossam Hassan had opted to deploy Mohamed Salah as a center-forward on the star’s 34th birthday. The decision paid off immediately as Salah provided a well-weighted pass to Ashour, who fired a right-footed shot at 34 km/h into the bottom left corner past Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid’s goalkeeper then made a brilliant save from Mostafa Zico’s shot in the 33rd minute. In the first half, Egypt managed two shots on target, while Belgium attempted eight shots but none troubled goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir.
Belgium increased the pressure in the second half. In the 55th minute, Salah nearly scored with a header, but Courtois was again equal to the task. Omar Marmoush also saw a shot from inside the box go wide of the post.
In the 66th minute, Belgium brought on Lukaku to bolster their attack. Just 28 seconds later, the Napoli striker headed the ball goalward, it deflected off Mohamed Hany’s foot and into the net, leveling the score at 1-1.
In the 75th minute, Salah left the field to end his involvement. Egypt failed to secure their first win in four World Cup appearances, while Belgium picked up a point from the match.
