BELGIUM AND EGYPT SHARE SPOILS IN 1–1 WORLD CUP OPENING DRAW

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Agency Report

Belgium and Egypt played out a 1–1 draw in their World Cup opener on Monday, with a second-half equaliser from the Europeans denying Mohamed Salah a winning result on his 34th birthday.

Egypt took the lead early in the first half through Emam Ashour in Seattle, before Belgium responded after the break when substitute Romelu Lukaku forced an own goal from Mohamed Hany to level the score.

The result extended Egypt’s long wait for a first-ever World Cup victory. The North African side, making their fourth appearance at the tournament, remain winless in the competition and will look to change that when they face Iran and New Zealand in their remaining Group G matches.

Egypt forward Hamza Abdelkarim said the team would approach every game with belief despite the tough opposition.

“We know Belgium are a good team… but every game for us has got to be three points,” he said.

For Belgium, the draw continues a disappointing run at the World Cup, leaving them without a win in their last three matches dating back to their 2022 group-stage exit.

Coach Rudi Garcia admitted the opening fixture was difficult but praised the depth of his squad after Lukaku’s introduction changed the game.

“The opening match of a competition like the World Cup is always a tough one… we managed to equalise thanks to a player who came off the bench,” he said.

Belgium, featuring veterans Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Lukaku, are still chasing a major international trophy with what is widely considered the final phase of their so-called “golden generation.”

De Bruyne came close to opening the scoring early, while Egypt responded through Ashour, whose first-half strike beat Courtois after a well-placed finish.

The match remained tightly contested, with chances at both ends, including efforts from Salah and Belgian captain Youri Tielemans.

Belgium eventually drew level in the 65th minute when Lukaku’s pressure forced an own goal, after which Egypt withdrew Salah in the closing stages as they held on for a point.

Both sides now turn their attention to crucial upcoming group fixtures as the race for qualification continues.

AFP