“It was very difficult, we were not sharp enough”: mediocre Red Devils save point in World Cup opener against Egypt thanks to Romelu Lukaku | Sport

The Red Devils could not win their opening match at the World Cup for the first time in 24 years. In 2002 it opened with a 2-2 draw against Japan.

In 2014 in Brazil, the Belgians fell behind 0-1 against Algeria, eventually winning 2-1, thanks to goals from Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens.

In 2018 it was 0-0 at halftime against Panama, after which they won 3-0 in Sochi. Four years ago, Canada won undeservedly 1-0, after a real striker’s goal from Michy Batshuayi. Only in 2022 did the Belgians not reach the second round.

Your ‘Belviva Devil of the Match’ was substitute Romelu Lukaku, but FIFA chose an Egyptian: Emam Ashour, the scorer of the 0-1.

“Egypt was better in the matches and we lost too much ball,” Timothy Castagne told rights holder Sporza. “Our first half wasn’t great. That might be because we were a bit nervous.”

Castagne had no explanation for the nervousness. “I don’t know why there was stress, but in the second half we showed that we can do better. Spain also drew. Just to show that it is never easy at a World Cup, even against a smaller country.”

Garcia knew in advance that it would be a difficult match. “The first match of the World Cup is always difficult. Especially because we played against one of the best countries in Africa. They scored with their first shot. You can’t let a team like that take the lead, because that plays into their hands. They could all camp at the back and then count on Salah and Marmoush. They just have a lot of talent.”

The reaction of the Red Devils after the break, with a little more grin and speed, satisfied the national coach. “It is important that we fought in the match and were able to score the equalizer. Thanks to a substitute. That shows that the group is important. We even had chances to win, but their goalkeeper saved them and we hit the post. It was a great match between two good teams. And we start the tournament with a point.”

“It was very difficult. We were not sharp enough, especially at the beginning of the match,” captain Youri Tielemans analyzes at Sporza. “After the break it went much better. We also created some chances in the first half, but we were unable to shoot on target. But Lukaku’s goal did us good. Afterwards we still had chances to finish the game. Egypt is a tough team, so I think this is a good point. We know we can do even better.”

“You are right when you say that we have also given away many opportunities. We have to work on that.”

“During half time there were positive conversations, because we know that we could and still can do better. It doesn’t stop now. We will work to play even better in the next matches. The atmosphere within the group will always remain good.

It’s over! The Red Devils showed improvement in the second half, but they did not get further than a point against Egypt. Watch Deviltime with Toby Alderweireld and Marc Degryse at the top of this article.

Time is running out. Tielemans gets behind a free kick and serves Mechele. The center back can put his foot against it, but he aims too high.

We get five minutes extra time.

Raskin has come in well. The Rangers midfielder defuses a promising attack. Moments earlier, Egypt screamed for a penalty after an alleged obstruction foul by De Cuyper, but ref Abatti and VAR Juan Soto thought it was too little.

This was the opportunity for Romelu Lukaku. Raskin swings the ball wonderfully in front of goal and the striker can head in freely, but he aims too high. Is it still possible for the Devils?