Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to help Belgium claim a point in their World Cup Group G opener against Egypt this evening.
The Red Devils’ record goalscorer had been on the pitch just 22 seconds when his presence forced Mohamed Hany to turn Thomas Meunier’s 66th-minute cross into his own net.
Belgium just about deserved a draw after a much-improved second half display that followed a limp showing in the opening 45 minutes.
They trailed at the break thanks to Emam Ashour’s excellent strike in the 18th minute and saw their hopes of getting back into the contest thwarted by the lack of a target man.
Lukaku solved that problem and the Napoli striker, who played just 40 minutes of Serie A football last season due to persistent injuries, ought to have won it late on but flashed a header over the bar when well placed.
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Ashour stuns Belgium by giving Egypt a shock lead
A tight opening was blown open when Egypt went ahead thanks to Ashour’s first goal in international football.
He was picked out by Mohamed Salah and, having found space on the edge of the area, the Al Ahly forward took a touch before lashing a low drive past Thibaut Courtois’ right-hand.
It was reward for a robust start from Egypt who had kept a close eye on Belgium danger man Jeremy Doku with a series of strong challenges that prevented the Manchester City winger from having any meaningful impact down the left flank.
Belgium only had one half-chance in the opening 25 minutes with Kevin De Bruyne firing wide from the edge of the area.
Indeed, it was Egypt who came close to a second goal after 32 minutes with Zico firing in a low shot that Courtois did superbly well to tip round the post with his fingertips.
Belgium did not manage a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes but could have gone in level at the break with Doku lashing wildly over the bar in first-half stoppage time.
At the other end, Courtois was called on to make another smart stop to keep out Omar Marmoush’s effort from a narrow angle.
De Bruyne hits post for Belgium
Egypt started the second period on the front foot and almost doubled their advantage within four minutes of the restart. Ashour picked out Salah on the overlap and his cross was perfect for Zico to meet and fire in a shot that was well blocked by the Belgium defence, who also smothered Marmoush’s follow-up.
The game was finally opening up, perhaps due to the physical exertions required on an unusually hot day in Seattle.
Doku was impeded once again by an Egypt defender and De Bruyne curled a trademark 20-yard free kick on to the left-hand post with goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir beaten.
Back came Egypt with Courtois called into action to palm clear Salah’s downward header. The rebound fell nicely for Ashour but he did not show the same composure he had done earlier and lashed a wild shot across the face of goal.
Marmoush then shot over after turning Nathan Ngoy cleverly and bearing down on goal.
Lukaku provides muscle Belgium required
Youri Tielemans flashed a brilliant volley inches wide after latching on to a partially cleared 63rd-minute corner before the game changed four minutes later thanks to Lukaku’s introduction.
It was Belgium who were pushing for a late winner and Shobeir did brilliantly to get across his line and get a hand to Brandon Mechele’s header with six minutes to go.
Having been the hero earlier, Lukaku fluffed his chance to create more headlines when he inexplicably headed over Nicolas Raskin’s inviting right-wing cross after 88 minutes.
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