Belgium draws 1-1 with Egypt as Lukaku sparks comeback

Belgium’s World Cup campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Egypt in Seattle on Monday, salvaging a point only after a dramatic second-half intervention from substitute Romelu Lukaku. The result leaves significant pressure on the Red Devils ahead of their next Group G match against Iran on Sunday.

Egypt, seeking its first-ever World Cup victory, took a deserved lead in the 19th minute. Midfielder Emam Ashour, set up by captain Mohamed Salah, fired a powerful strike past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for his first international goal. Belgium struggled to respond, with Kevin De Bruyne hitting the post from a free-kick and the team failing to register a shot on target in the first half.

The game shifted in the 66th minute when Belgium coach Rudi Garcia introduced Lukaku. Within seconds, the Napoli striker’s presence forced an equalizer. Under pressure from Lukaku, Egypt defender Mohamed Hany turned a dangerous cross into his own net. Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, had missed much of the club season with a hamstring injury and had played only limited minutes for Napoli.

Garcia acknowledged Lukaku’s instant impact but stated the striker is not yet ready to start a...