For much of Egypt’s inaugural match against Belgium, it seemed the Pharaohs were on the brink of achieving a historic World Cup victory. However, the tide turned when Rudi Garcia opted to utilize his bench, introducing Romelu Lukaku, a player Belgium often turns to in challenging circumstances.
“Frankly, when you are the opponent and you see Romelu Lukaku entering the field, your confidence goes down and your anxiety increases,” Garcia remarked following the match. Although Lukaku did not find the net himself, his presence attracted two defenders during a crucial run, leading to an equalizing own goal that secured a point for Belgium in a tightly contested game.
Group G intensified as Belgium and Egypt kicked off their World Cup journeys with a hard-fought draw. Under the sweltering North American sun, a crowd of 66,775 spectators witnessed the match, which necessitated the use of cooling breaks now standard in the tournament.
Set to begin at noon amidst a heat advisory in Seattle, the match saw temperatures soaring to 30C (86F) with hazy clouds overhead. The stadium was nearly full, a vibrant display of red and white from fans of both teams.
Both teams tested the referee, Ramon Abatti, early on, resulting in a couple of yellow cards being issued. As the match approached the 19th minute, Egypt struck first. A rapid restart caught the Belgian defense off guard as Egypt pressed forward into the attacking third. An impressive build-up on the right side found Mohamed Salah, who deftly turned to his left.
On his 34th birthday, Salah delivered a precise pass to Emam Ashour, who advanced towards the edge of the penalty area. The midfielder unleashed a shot that slipped beneath Thomas Meunier’s outstretched leg, eluding a diving Thibaut Courtois, who had committed to the other side. This marked Ashour’s first international goal on his 30th appearance.
The crowd erupted with joy at Seattle Stadium, a testament to the venue’s electrifying atmosphere during both soccer matches and concerts alike.
Belgium struggled to utilize the width of the pitch for significant stretches in the first half. Egypt actively closed down Jérémy Doku, frequently sending two defenders to challenge him whenever he received the ball. Conversely, Leandro Trossard appeared indecisive in possession, losing the ball three times in the opening half-hour.
Following Ashour’s goal, Doku shifted to the right flank where Egypt had fewer defenders. As the first half drew to a close, desperation grew as Belgium attempted to create opportunities. A long-range strike from Kevin De Bruyne failed to reach the box, instead hitting striker Charles De Ketelaere in an awkward manner.
Doku’s volley attempt sailed well over the goal. Egypt nearly doubled their lead just before halftime, but a corner kick floated harmlessly away from the crowd of players into open space.
While Belgium increasingly resorted to speculative shots, Egypt maintained a more ambitious approach rather than simply defending. The Pharaohs counterattacked when possible but remained comfortable controlling possession in midfield with their defense well-positioned.
In the 66th minute, Garcia made a decisive move by bringing on Lukaku. This decision proved fruitful as a swift break from Meunier into the box led to a close-range cross for Lukaku, who slipped between two defenders near goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
The ball eluded Lukaku yet struck Mohamed Hany’s boot, deflecting into Egypt’s net and equalizing the score just before the second-half hydration break.
Lukaku, who had only played 40 minutes in Serie A for Napoli this season, raised concerns about his readiness for the World Cup. However, this situation may have made a substitute role more suitable for the experienced striker.
“We’re going far [this summer] with Romelu, so we have to go easy on him,” Garcia stated. “The goal is to get as far as possible in this World Cup with a Romelu who doesn’t get hurt. I think that’s the first objective. And then if he plays this role of super sub and that every time he hits a goal, frankly, it’s going to be great.”
