As predicted before the match, Belgium endured a difficult 90 minutes against Egypt. In fact, if their strikers had been more clinical, the "Red Devils" could have started the 2026 World Cup empty-handed.
The highly anticipated match in Group G took place under scorching temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius. But the harsh weather at the Lumen Stadium only made the clash between Belgium and Egypt even more intense.
Instead of opting for a defensive approach and waiting for opportunities, the North African representatives surprisingly confidently engaged in an attacking style of play, readily pressing high up the pitch. However, Belgium was the team that created the first notable chance.
Receiving the ball on the edge of the penalty area, Kevin de Bruyne unleashed a quick shot but it went wide of the post. Shortly afterwards, Egypt responded strongly and found the net to take the lead.
In the 19th minute, Emam Ashour received a pass from Mohamed Salah, controlled the ball with one touch, and unleashed a decisive shot that nestled into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with no chance.
This was Ashour's first goal for the national team after 30 appearances. Thanks to the opening goal, Egypt gained more confidence and repeatedly threatened the opposing goal.
Without Courtois's consistent performance in goal, the European representatives could easily have conceded another goal after Ziko's dangerous angled shot shortly afterwards. Trailing behind, Belgium tried to push forward but found themselves ineffective.
The usual mobility on the flanks with Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard proved ineffective. The Egyptian team seemed to have studied them very carefully, organizing a tight encirclement to neutralize the opponent's "angelic wings."
It wasn't until after the half-time break that Rudi Garcia's team truly showed signs of being able to find an equalizer. In the 53rd minute, from a free kick about 20 meters from the goal, De Bruyne unleashed a shot that hit the post.
On the opposite side, Salah also forced Courtois into a difficult save with a header that bounced awkwardly off the ground. Egypt maintained their confident demeanor but lacked sharpness in their final finishing attempts.
With the game looking deadlocked, coach Garcia decided to bring Romelu Lukaku on in the 66th minute. This quick substitution created a crucial turning point.
Less than a minute after coming onto the pitch, the former Man United striker scored a valuable equalizer for the "Red Devils". Meeting a cross from the right wing by Thomas Meunier, Lukaku put pressure on defender Mohamed Hany, causing him to awkwardly put the ball straight into his own net.
For the remainder of the match, both sides created chances but failed to capitalize. The 1-1 score remained until the end of the game. This result helps Belgium maintain their impressive record in the World Cup group stage, having lost only 1 of their last 16 matches (8 wins, 7 draws).
Conversely, Egypt has yet to find its first victory at the biggest football tournament on the planet. In the next round of matches on June 21st, "The Faraohs" will have a chance to break the jinx as they only have to face New Zealand, while Belgium will clash with Iran.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/lukaku-giup-bi-thoat-thua-truoc-ai-cap-237238.html
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