Pharaohs rue missed chances as super-sub Lukaku denies Egypt historic World Cup triumph
A tactical masterstroke by Hossam Hassan deploying birthday boy Mohamed Salah centrally guided Egypt to a dominant first-half lead via Emam Ashour, but a lightning-fast second-half introduction of Romelu Lukaku forced a crucial own goal to rescue a 1-1 opening-round World Cup draw for Belgium in Seattle.
Egypt’s quest for a historic first-ever FIFA World Cup victory was agonizingly put on hold at the Seattle Stadium as a resurgent second-half tactical adjustment rescued a substandard Belgium side.
Under heavy criticism for a limp opening 45 minutes, manager Rudi Garcia finally turned to the bench to introduce seasoned frontman Romelu Lukaku in the 66th minute.
The colossal striker took a mere 22 seconds to terrorize the Egyptian backline, pressuring defender Mohamed Hany into bundling a wicked Thomas Meunier cross into his own net to salvage a point for the Europeans.
The draw will leave the Pharaohs wondering what might have been after fully dominating the Group G opener.
Head coach Hossam Hassan outmaneuvered the Belgians by placing the newly 34-year-old free agent Mohamed Salah into an advanced central playmaker role, a tactical masterstroke that unlocked the opening goal.
Salah expertly teed up Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour, who rifled a thunderous 18th-minute strike past Thibaut Courtois.
Despite multiple gilt-edged counterattacking opportunities squandered by Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Ziko to consolidate the lead, the clinical North Africans will look ahead with high confidence toward upcoming encounters against New Zealand and Iran.
