Egypt and Belgium draw 1-1 in World Cup Group G opener
Emam Ashour scored his first international goal for Egypt, but Romelu Lukaku forced an own goal within seconds of coming on to give Belgium a 1-1 draw in Seattle.
Egypt and Belgium played out a 1-1 draw in the opening Group G match of the World Cup at Seattle Stadium on Monday.
Ashour opens the scoring
Egypt took the lead in the 19th minute through midfielder Emam Ashour. Mohamed Salah, playing centrally on his 34th birthday, delivered a precise pass to Ashour on the edge of the box. Ashour controlled with his first touch and struck a right-footed shot from 20 yards that beat Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into the lower left corner. The goal was Ashour's first in his 30th appearance for Egypt.
Both of Egypt's first-half shots were on target, while Belgium failed to test Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir with any of their eight attempts. The second half opened up, with both teams creating chances. Salah almost scored with a header in the 55th minute, forcing a diving save from Courtois.
Lukaku's instant impact
Belgium introduced Romelu Lukaku in the 66th minute, and within 28 seconds he forced an equaliser. From a Thomas Meunier cross, Lukaku split two defenders and deflected the ball off Mohamed Hany's foot into the goal for an own goal. Salah was substituted off in the 75th minute. The match ended 1-1, leaving both teams with a point each.
