Belgium’s Romelo Lukaku came off the bench to help Belgium level against Egypt in a thrilling Group G clash at the Seattle Stadium on Monday, meaning the seven-time African champions are still chasing their first victory on football’s biggest stage.
The draw leaves both teams level at the top of Group G, ahead of the match between Iran and New Zealand later tonight.
Lukaku’s equaliser came just 28 seconds after he entered the game in the 66th minute, preventing Egypt from winning their first game in their fourth World Cup appearance.
Here’s our match report.
Full time! Belgium 1-1 Egypt!
That’s that! Lukaku has salvaged a point for Belgium, who really only came to life in the second half.
Egypt were brilliant for long stretches of the game, but their long wait for a maiden World Cup win goes on.
Penalty appeal for Egypt
Zizo goes down on the edge of the box, after running into De Cuyper, but the referee – and VAR – are not interested.
Chance for Lukaku!
A perfect Raskin cross from the right is headed over by Lukaku, who really should have done better.
What a save!
Belgium should be ahead!
Mechele’s curling effort looks is heading for the net but Shobeir pulls off a fine save to deny the Belgian.
This has turned into a cracking game of football.
The impact sub. Photo: Agustin Marcarian, Reuters
Salah makes way for teen Abdelkarim
It’s all Belgium now, how quickly the tide can turn.
Suddenly on the backfoot, Egypt rush to make changes with Mo Salah making way for Barcelona’s teenage signing Hamza Abdelkarim.
Incredible scenes! The giant Belgian comes off the bench… and immediately scores!
Replays show it was in fact an own goal by Egypt’s Mohamed Hany, but under pressure from Lukaku who barged his way into the box after a dangerous cross by Meunier.
Chance for De Bruyne
Now it’s Belgium who really should’ve scored, with De Bruyne, of all people, sending a weak shot straight at the Egyptian keeper.
Another Egypt chance!
Another chance for Egypt, this time from a Marmoush counter, but Ngoy does just enough to throw him off balance and his shot flies into the stands.
Ashour misses a golden chance!
A Salah header is punched away in the danger zone by Courtois, leaving Ashour free to claim his second goal… but he lashes a fierce shot wide.
Egypt should be 2-0 up.
De Bruyne hits the post!
A dangerous free-kick for the veteran Belgian, whose effort curls over the Egypt wall but bounces off the woodwork.
Chance for Egypt
Mostafa Zico makes a good run into the box but he fluffs the ball. A big chance for the Pharaohs to go 2-0 up.
Egypt get the second half under way
No substitutions so far.
The Pharaohs’ fans will have enjoyed the first-half display at the Seattle Stadium. Photo: Albert Gea, Reuters
Half-time!
Some chaotic Belgian defending and a missed punch by Courtois twice gives Egypt the chance to score a second, but the Red Devils evenutally clear and that’s it for the first half.
Egypt are deservedly ahead and just 45 minutes away from their first ever World Cup win. Belgium, with zero shots on target, have some work to do.
Doku’s shot flies over the crossbar!
Belgium have their best chance yet, the ball falling to Doku after ricocheting inside the Egypt box.
The Belgian forward is slightly off balance and his shot flies over the bar.
Chance for Trossard
A rare gap in the Egypt defence frees Doku on the right. He cuts back to Trossard whose effort misses the target.
Fatouh is booked
Doku breaks on the right flank and his taken down by Egypt’s Fatouh, who is promptly booked.
