Egypt Frustrates Belgium in Group G Opening Draw
- Andrew Earnest
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Credit SofaScore
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
SEATTLE, WA — Egypt left Lumen Field with a well deserved point, holding heavyweight Belgium to a 1-1 result behind a moment of pure skill from Mohamed Salah.
Belgium, largely expected to dominate Group G, did not live up to their expectations in this match. The Red Devils began the match with a narrowly missed shot from an unmarked Kevin DeBryne. Belgium would control much of the opening possession, but ceded the first goal of the match in the 20th minute.
The Pharaohs broke through first when Salah, doubled up on by Belgian markers most of the half, slipped a pass inside to Emam Ashour at the edge of the box. The midfielder didn't hesitate, drilling a low shot past Thibaut Courtois to put Egypt ahead.
Belgium controlled the rhythm for long stretches after that but couldn't find the finishing touch. Kevin De Bruyne rattled the crossbar and Youri Tielemans narrowly missed connecting on a half-volley as the hour mark approached. The equalizer arrived almost as soon as Roberto Martínez turned to his bench. Romelu Lukaku had barely been on the field 22 seconds when his mere presence in the box turned a Thomas Meunier cross into chaos, the ball deflecting in off Mohamed Hany for an own goal.
Neither side managed a winner from there, and both will privately wonder what might have been. For Egypt, a result against one of the group's traditional powers is certainly welcome, especially eight years after a rough World Cup return in Russia. Egypt is firmly in the mix to top Group G if they can take care of business against Iran and New Zealand. Belgium, meanwhile, knows it will need far more bite in front of goal to avoid a repeat of its group-stage exit four years ago.
Looking ahead: Group G reconvenes June 21 with Belgium-Iran (SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles) and New Zealand-Egypt (BC Place, Vancouver), with all four teams level on a single point apiece.
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