Belgium 1 – 1 Egypt

Egypt were denied a World Cup win for the first time after Romelu Lukaku forced an own-goal equalizer just seconds after coming on to draw Belgium 1-1 in their Group G opener.

Emam Ashour’s superb opener from distance in the 19th minute gave Egypt their first World Cup half-time lead in the Seattle heat.

But the seven-time Africa Cup of Nations winners were unable to end their 92-year wait for a first win at the tournament as Belgium’s all-time top scorer Lukaku made an immediate impact off the bench.

Just 22 seconds later, Napoli striker Mohamed Hani forced an own goal from Thomas Meunier’s cross in the 66th minute.

Belgium then almost completed the turnaround, but Brandon Mechel’s header was brilliantly saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mustafa Shobier, with Lukaku heading in a late chance.

A thrilling end-to-end contest at the Seattle Stadium pitted veterans Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah, both having their moments.

On his 34th birthday, Salah gifted Ashur his brilliant opener who became the first African player on record (since 1966) to be involved in a World Cup goal on their birthday.

But De Bruyne did his best to spoil the former Liverpool star’s big day as he hit the post with a second-half free-kick before putting Belgium’s first shot on target as he breathed life into the Red Devils.

However, the 34-year-old will need to help his Napoli team-mate Lukaku from the bench to salvage a point as Belgium face Iran and Egypt take on New Zealand.

Highlights from Seattle…

• 20: Goal! Ashour hammered home a superb opener for his first Egypt goal.

• 33: Save! Courtois brilliantly saved Zico’s low shot to deny Egypt a second.

• 45+1: Miss! Doku shone with his close-range volleys over Belgium as they failed to get a shot on target in the first half.

• 53: Post off! De Bruyne hits a free-kick that curls the wrong side of the post.

• 55: It should be 2-0! Courtois pushes Salah’s header straight at Ashur, but he shoots wide.

• 63: Big chance! Belgium’s first shot was aimed at De Bruyne, but he put it straight at the goalkeeper.

• 66: Own goal equivalent! Lukaku’s immediate impact forced Mohamed Hani into an own goal after just 22 seconds.

• 82: Save the top! Egypt goalkeeper Shobeir denied Mechel’s header at full stretch.

Analysis: Salah at number 10 – slot and did Liverpool miss a trick?

Sky Sports’ Peter Smith:

Another year older, another string to his bow? Mo Salah took on the unfamiliar role of number 10 for Egypt against Belgium and it was a move that made sense.

By bringing him inside, Egypt boss Hossam Hassan has retained Salah’s attacking threat – he has found Emam Ashour to score them – and has been able to incorporate Mustafa Zico to power up and down the right.

Salah was often posted on the wing under Arne Slott at Liverpool last season, occupying positions too wide to seriously threaten the opposition’s goal. And it was reflected in his numbers. Defensively, Liverpool’s right backs have also suffered.

Now 34, the Egyptian king isn’t going to retain the same ability for high-intensity runs but he can still use his skills and experience to make an impact in and around the box. It proved that he topped his team’s statistics in chance creation, passing accuracy and fouls won.

With talented team-mates around him (including Ashour, Zico and, above, Omar Marmouse), Salah – returning to full fitness after his hamstring problem – could play a central role for Egypt in North America. On this evidence they will certainly be looking for their first World Cup win in the next two games.

Belgium boss Garcia: It was a great game

Belgium head coach Rudy Garcia:

“The opening match of a competition like the World Cup is always tough, especially against a top African team like Egypt.

“We managed to equalize thanks to a player who came off the bench, which shows how important the whole squad is.

“We had chances to win it, but their goalkeeper made some outstanding saves. It was a great game between two very good teams.”

What does the result mean?

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