The Belgian national team did not get more than a 1-1 (0-1) draw in their World Cup opener against Egypt. The Belgians have always been the secret favorites in recent tournaments. The path to the title may be too long this time too.
On superstar Mo Salah’s 34th birthday, Emam Ashour (20th) deservedly put the Egyptians in the lead. The “Pharaohs” did a good job. Salah, whose future remains open after his departure from Liverpool FC, was also not above the hard work and did important defensive work.
But Romelu Lukaku’s force brought the Belgians back into the game. Shortly after being substituted on, the Joker threw himself into the duel and Egypt’s Mohamed Hany scored into his own net to equalize (66′). The top game in Group G did not find a winner.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia was relieved “that we are staying in the competition. It was a draw between two good teams.” He knew that Egypt would be a difficult task, they were “the strongest team from Africa” and the draw would now make them even stronger. Looking at Lukaku, the Frenchman said: “We needed him at that moment. We are happy that we found our way back into the game.”
De Bruyne misses, Ashour scores
Quite surprisingly, the Egyptian team dominated the game in the early stages – with up to 60 percent possession of the ball. The North Africans, who mostly earn their money in the domestic league, initially did not develop a goal threat. Belgian Kevin De Bruyne had the best chance, but his powerful shot from 20 meters missed the goal (7th).
As if out of nowhere, but really worth seeing, Egypt then took the lead. Salah played Ashour free in front of the penalty area, the former Dortmund player Thomas Meunier missed. And the Al-Ahly Cairo midfielder chased the ball into the net for Thibaut Courtois from 20 meters and more than 100 km/h (20th).
Strong shot: Emam Ashour puts Egypt in the lead.
The National Weather Service had warned the population about the high temperatures at midday and recommended drinking enough fluids. Unlike, for example, in the cooled down stadium at the German game against Curacao, this time the following “hydration break” was appropriate at 30 degrees in the shade.
Courtois saves Belgium from falling further behind
But Belgium didn’t come up with much even after the interruption. Captain Youri Tielemans tried unsuccessfully with a flying header (31′). Jeremy Doku shot the ball clearly over from almost 14 meters (45th + 1). Remarkable: Goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubeir was not even seriously examined.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was a good support.
Completely different on the other side. When Mostafa Ziko’s low shot hit the far corner, Courtois had to stretch himself wide and just managed to deflect the ball around the post (33′). And the Real Madrid goalkeeper was able to distinguish himself again with the last chance before the break: Nathan Ngoy’s header return was a complete failure, but Omar Marmoush’s shot from a very tight angle failed because of Courtois’ foot defense (45th + 4).
Back and forth after the break, Lukaku provokes an own goal
In the second half the Belgians played more offensively. Manchester City star Doku moved from the wing to the center and provided more movement. De Bruyne shot a free kick taken by the 1.73 meter man onto the post (53′). Tielemans fired his volley from 18 meters just wide (61′), before De Bruyne only managed a harmless roll from the best shooting position (62′).
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku (r.) forced the equalizer just seconds after being substituted on.
But the “Red Devils” still had to be extremely careful not to concede the potentially decisive 0-2. Salah’s header was denied by Courtois, and Ashour’s follow-up shot (55′) ended up in touch (!). Marmoush had two good shot opportunities (60th/65th).
In the 66th minute, Romelu Lukaku came into play for the Belgians – and just seconds later the score was 1-1. Two Egyptians tried to stop the beefy attacker after Meunier’s cross. Bad luck for Hany, who maneuvered the ball into his own goal (66th).
Final phase exciting, but goalless
So anything was possible in the final phase. The Belgians caused the first excitement. After a great chip ball, Brandon Mechele’s header was missed by Shoubeir (82′). His counterpart Courtois guided a slipped cross over the crossbar with his fingertips (85′). And Lukaku almost became the match winner after a season with many injury breaks. But his powerful header flew over the crossbar (87th).
The situation in Group G is completely open
Belgium coach Garcia said: “We were better in the second half of the game. But we can still improve a lot.” His team continues against Iran on Sunday (9 p.m. CEST) in Los Angeles. Egypt will face New Zealand in Vancouver on Monday (3 a.m. CEST). The situation in the group is completely open.