Lukaku forces Belgium leveller 22 seconds after coming on v Egypt
· Yahoo Sports
Substitute Romelu Lukaku forced an equalizer moments after coming on to help Belgium deny Egypt a first men's World Cup victory in 92 years following a 1-1 draw on Monday.
Lukaku's season at Napoli was ravaged with injury but he was picked for his fourth World Cup because of his experience. He used his presence to prompt Mohamed Hany to turn a cross into his own goal on 66 minutes.
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The 33-year-old striker had only been on the field 22 seconds and justified his call-up, offering Belgium a focal point they initially lacked in the Group G opener.
"Romelu, when he came on, he had 30 minutes and we know he can be difficult for the opponents and we needed him to come on," Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said. "Egypt's weakness is being stretched. We should have been playing in behind a bit more."
Egypt had gone ahead thanks to Emam Ashour's maiden international goal. A perfect first touch allowed the Al Ahly midfielder to fire home from 20 metres on 19 minutes.
The Pharaohs, including top star Mo Salah, lost all three matches at the last edition they reached in 2018.
But with their ageing talisman still pulling some of the strings, the Egyptians had the better chances against the faltering Red Devils.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan Hussein said: "Belgium is a powerhouse, one of the best teams worldwide and we were close to earning the win. I am really satisfied with the performance my side put in."
Still no Egypt World Cup win since 1934
The seven-times African champions first reached the World Cup in 1934 and have been waiting for a victory ever since. Lukaku's impact followed a free-kick being taken from the wrong position and Egypt losing concentration.
Belgium had only previously lost their opening match at a men's World Cup once before in 14 editions, a statistic that now stands.
They finished third in 2018 but their much-vaunted golden generation have either retired or are in their last World Cup - and it showed in the first half.
Garcia's side improved after the break, with Manchester City's Jérémy Doku causing Egypt problems and veteran Kevin De Bruyne hitting the post with a free-kick and scuffing another effort when well-placed.
But Egypt continued to eke out opportunities, man of the match Ashour and Salah wasting good openings before the own goal at the other end. Lukaku even headed over late on as Belgium pushed for a winner.
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans said: "It was difficult at the beginning of the game, we were not sharp enough, the second half went a lot better. Romelu came in and that was good, we had some chances to finish it off, but they are difficult opponents."
Iran face New Zealand in the other group game later on Monday in Los Angeles.
Egypt's Omar Marmoush and Belgium's Nicolas Raskin battle for the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium. Dirk Waem/Belga/dpaBelgium's Jeremy Doku and Egypt's Mohanad Lasheen battle for the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium. Dirk Waem/Belga/dpaBelgium head coach Rudi Garcia reacts from the touchline during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium. Dirk Waem/Belga/dpaBelgium's Jeremy Doku reacts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium. Dirk Waem/Belga/dpaBelgium's Kevin De Bruyne in action during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium. Dirk Waem/Belga/dpaBelgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saves his nets during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium. Dirk Waem/Belga/dpaBelgium's Brandon Mechele and Belgium's Amadou Onana battle for the ball with Egypt's Mohanad Lasheen during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium. Dirk Waem/Belga/dpa