Lukaku spoils Salah’s big day as Belgium and Egypt draw

Belgium and Egypt kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw, a result that dampened Mohamed Salah's 34th birthday celebrations. Emam Ashour opened the scoring for Egypt early in the first half with a well-struck shot that left Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with no chance.

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With all eyes in the Pacific Northwest on Salah and De Bruyne, it was the ex-Manchester City playmaker that created the first moment of note in the match when he dragged a sharp effort narrowly wide in the seventh minute.

Belgium, featuring veterans from their "golden generation" like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, sought to finally claim silverware. De Bruyne came close to equalizing early in the second half, hitting the post with a free-kick. Salah also had opportunities, but his header was saved by Courtois.

The match became more stretched as both teams created chances. However, the introduction of Romelu Lukaku in the 65th minute proved decisive for Belgium. A cross from Thomas Meunier found Lukaku, whose presence forced Egypt's Mohamed Hany into an own goal, leveling the score.

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However, it was Ashour who upstaged the pair just before the hydration break when he received the ball in a similar position to De Bruyne but his sweetly-struck effort left Courtois no chance as it whistled into the bottom-right corner.

Salah was substituted with 15 minutes remaining as Egypt focused on defending their lead. Ultimately, they held on for a point. This draw extends Egypt's winless streak at the World Cup, as the seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions now look to their upcoming Group G matches against Iran and New Zealand to secure their first victory.

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The change immediately paid dividends as Belgium’s all-time top goalscorer showed his predatory instincts to dash in on a Thomas Meunier cross, with his presence enough to destabilize Hany who put through his own net.