Belgium vs Egypt: Lukaku Saves the Day for the Red Devils

The Belgian team thought they'd have more control over the game, but they ended up with a point, some doubts, and the feeling that they escaped a first bad surprise. Against a courageous and well-organized Egypt, the Red Devils had to wait for Romelu Lukaku's entrance to avoid a defeat that would have weighed heavily in the group.

The final score may be 1-1, but the story tells more about the immediate impact of Lukaku. Entering in the second period, the best Belgian goal-scorer of all time made his presence felt in the surface. At the 66th minute, his presence caused panic on a dangerous Thomas Meunier center. The goal was ultimately attributed to Mohamed Hany, but the action clearly bears the imprint of the Belgian striker.

Befor that, Egypt had struck first. At the 19th minute, Mohamed Salah found Emam Ashour, who triggered a shot on the ground from about twenty meters. The ball came to rest near Thibaut Courtois' post in spite of his long dash. This goal gave the Pharaohs confidence, capable of closing spaces and doubting a Belgian side that was too slow in circulation.

The real Egyptian regret is in this second period where the break seemed possible. Ashour missed a double opportunity at the 55th minute, while the situation seemed open. Then, Omar Marmoush squandered two extraordinary occasions in space of a few minutes, between the 60th and 65th. At that level, these details change everything. Belgium instead responded through Kevin De Bruyne, close to equalization on a repelled shot by the post.

Neither of the two teams will be entirely happy with the result. For Egypt, the tie remains positive as they held onto favorite for the group and showed they had arguments to finally aim at the first passage to the second round World Cup. But it also brings a frustrating legitimacy, as much as the team of Hossam Hassan has long seemed to be holding onto his exploit.

The lesson is even more severe for the Belgian team of Rudi Garcia: when you can't win, you must know not to lose. This time, Lukaku saved the Red Devils.