This is the power of a monster striker! Romelu Lukaku scored the equalizer just 22 seconds after being substituted in... Belgium and Egypt draw 1-1

*This content was translated by AI.

The "monster striker" Romelu Lukaku (Napoli) saved Belgium, which was on the verge of a shocking defeat.

On the 16th (Korea time), Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in the first group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the CONCACAF region, held at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, USA. Belgium, trailing 0-1, scored the equalizer just moments after Lukaku was substituted in during the 21st minute of the second half. Official records credit the goal as an own goal by Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), but it was essentially a goal created by Lukaku.

The British Guardian explained, "Thomas Meunier of Belgium (LOSC Lille) delivered a very dangerous cross toward Lukaku. Lukaku contested the ball with Hany and Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly) in front of the goal. Ibrahim extended his leg, changing the ball's direction, and it then struck Hany and went into the net."

The media continued, "Although it was not officially Lukaku's goal, he played a major role in the score. Moreover, Lukaku had been on the field for only 22 seconds."

Belgium, led by coach Rudy Garcia, secured a spot in the World Cup by finishing first in Group J of the CONCACAF World Cup European qualifiers. They started the World Cup schedule in good form, recording three wins and one draw in their last four friendly matches. Egypt, led by coach Hossam Hassan, also secured their place in the CONCACAF World Cup by finishing first in Group A of the African qualifiers. In this tournament, Belgium and Egypt were drawn into Group G along with Iran and New Zealand.

In the FIFA rankings, Belgium is 9th and Egypt is 29th. After a fierce battle, both teams shared one point each. Belgium recorded 15 total shots, while Egypt recorded 14.

Belgium deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta) played as the forward, in a formation that was essentially a zero-top. Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), and Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) were positioned in the second line to support the attack. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) guarded the goal.

Egypt also lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) led the attack.

Belgium dominated the early moments, with De Bruyne taking a long-range shot in the 7th minute. However, the opening goal belonged to Egypt. In the 19th minute of the first half, Esmail Ashour (Al Ahly) unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from near the penalty arc, shaking the net. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois dove but could not stop it.

Anxious, Belgium immediately launched a counterattack, but their finishing accuracy was lacking. Instead, Egypt created a decisive opportunity through a counter-attack after defending first. In the 31st minute of the first half, a shot from winger Mostafa Zico (Pyramids) was barely saved by Courtois. In stoppage time of the first half, a fatal error by the Belgian defense occurred. Omar Marmoush found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the angle was poor, and Courtois made another great save.

Belgium also suffered some bad luck with the goalposts. In the 8th minute of the second half, a free-kick shot by De Bruyne from a good position struck the post and went out. Egypt did not back down either. In the 10th minute of the second half, Courtois made a super save to stop Mohamed Salah's header shot. Ashour then attempted a non-stop shot, but the ball went far wide of the goal.

Belgium threw their deciding card. They used two substitution cards first in the 11th minute of the second half, and then in the 21st minute, they replaced De Ketelaere with Lukaku.

The substitutions hit the mark perfectly. Lukaku immediately played a decisive role in Belgium's equalizer. After successfully attacking down the right flank, Belgium delivered a cross into the penalty box. Lukaku, using his powerful physique, rushed toward the goal. Two Egyptian defenders surrounded Lukaku but could not stop him. In the chaotic situation, the ball struck Egyptian defender Hany and went straight into the net.

Egypt made a change by substituting their "ace" Salah in the late stages of the second half but failed to score an additional goal. Belgium also had to swallow their disappointment as Lukaku's header shot went over the bar just before the final whistle. In the end, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

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*This content was translated by AI.