Lukaku's quick impact salvages draw for Belgium against Egypt in World Cup opener

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku (9) celebrates a goal with teammates during the World Cup Group G match against Egypt. (AP Photo)

Belgium narrowly avoided an embarrassing start to their FIFA World Cup campaign as Romelu Lukaku's immediate influence rescued a 1-1 draw against Egypt in a tense Group G encounter on Monday. With the Red Devils staring at a shock defeat, Lukaku came off the bench to spark an equaliser within 23 seconds of his introduction, helping Belgium survive a major upset in front of 66,775 spectators.

Lukaku changes the game in just 23 seconds

The Napoli striker, returning from a hamstring injury that had sidelined him for much of the season, received a standing ovation from Belgium fans when he entered in the 66th minute. Moments later, he charged through the middle and stretched to meet a cross from the right. Egypt defender Mohamed Hany got to the ball first but inadvertently diverted it into his own net, cancelling out Egypt's earlier strike. "He’s a target man," Belgium captain Youri Tielemans said. "He needs to build up his fitness, which is understandable after being out for the season. But, he helps us in this way." Belgium's escape prevented a repeat of the disastrous start that preceded their group-stage elimination at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Egypt threaten one of the biggest surprises

Egypt had looked the sharper side during the opening period and deservedly took the lead in the 19th minute through Emam Ashour, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to score his first international goal in his 30th appearance. The Pharaohs played with aggression and intensity, causing repeated problems for Belgium's defence and leaving coach Rudi Garcia's men fortunate to trail by only one goal at the break. "The match shows we were closer to earning the win," Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said. Despite enjoying greater possession, Belgium lacked fluency and struggled to create clear openings. Kevin De Bruyne came closest before halftime with a shot that drifted wide and later rattled the left post in the 53rd minute. Lukaku himself nearly completed the turnaround late on, but his header sailed over the crossbar.

Veterans come to Belgium's rescue

The draw highlighted Belgium's continued dependence on experienced stars such as De Bruyne, Lukaku and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, all appearing in their fourth World Cup. Winger Jérémy Doku provided much of Belgium's attacking spark in the first half, but the side lacked urgency and movement. "Our biggest challenge was about us," Tielemans admitted. "We lost too many balls, we weren't quick enough in transition, and when we had the ball, we didn't find the solutions. We were too static, especially in the first half." Coach Garcia echoed those concerns. "We weren't really in the groove," Garcia said. "Technically, we left a lot to be desired." Only 20 per cent of Belgium's attempts were on target, leading Garcia to conclude that a solitary goal accurately reflected his side's performance. The Belgian manager nevertheless remains optimistic and even described Belgium and Egypt as the strongest sides in Group G, which also includes New Zealand and Iran. Attention now shifts to Sunday's clash against Iran, with Garcia making his expectations clear. "We have to win against Iran," he said. "There's no two ways around it."