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Lukaku's impact on Belgium's draw with Egypt highlights striker's value
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

Lukaku's impact on Belgium's draw with Egypt highlights striker's value

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Romelu Lukaku's impact was evident as his persistence led to an own goal, securing a 1-1 draw for Belgium against Egypt.
  • Despite not starting due to fitness concerns, Lukaku immediately influenced the game after coming on as a substitute.
  • Coach Rudi Garcia highlighted Lukaku's unique value to the team, emphasizing his recovery and importance for Belgium's World Cup campaign.

Romelu Lukaku's immediate impact off the bench proved crucial for Belgium, forcing an own goal that secured a 1-1 draw against Egypt in their Group G match. The striker had been on the field for just over 20 seconds when his power and determination caused Egypt defender Mohamed Hany to turn the ball into his own net, underlining Lukaku's significant value to his team at the World Cup.

We saw the impact of Lukaku when he came on.

— Rudi GarciaBelgium coach Rudi Garcia commenting on Romelu Lukaku's immediate influence after being substituted into the match against Egypt.

Belgium had been struggling to find an equalizer after Emam Ashour scored in the first half. The introduction of the burly Lukaku shifted the momentum, with his presence immediately making a difference. Coach Rudi Garcia acknowledged the striker's influence, stating, "We saw the impact of Lukaku when he came on."

Lukaku's return to form is a welcome development for Belgium. He spent much of the past year dealing with injuries and limited playing time at Napoli. However, his recent performances for Belgium, including scoring his 90th international goal against Croatia and providing an assist against Tunisia, demonstrate his renewed importance. While the goal against Egypt will not be officially credited to him, his role in it was undeniable.

I’m happy he’s recovered, because Belgium doesn’t have another player like him.

— Rudi GarciaBelgium coach Rudi Garcia expressing satisfaction with Romelu Lukaku's recovery and highlighting his unique importance to the team.

Garcia emphasized the need for careful management of Lukaku's fitness, noting that while many want to see him start, the team is taking a step-by-step approach to his recovery. "I’m happy he’s recovered, because Belgium doesn’t have another player like him," Garcia said. Lukaku may lack his former pace and mobility, but his power and experience allow him to bully defenders, offering attributes that other Belgian forwards currently do not possess. Belgium's chances of winning their first World Cup trophy are significantly boosted if Lukaku can regain full match fitness and contribute more minutes.

We’ll have to manage him carefully. I know everyone wants to see him start, but we’ll take it step-by-step.

— Rudi GarciaBelgium coach Rudi Garcia discussing the cautious approach to Romelu Lukaku's return to full fitness and starting lineup.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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