Belgium 1-1 Egypt: Own Goal Denies Pharaohs First World Cup Win

Egypt came agonizingly close to securing their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, but a second-half own goal denied them as Belgium fought back to earn a 1-1 draw in their Group G opener at Seattle Stadium.

The Pharaohs, who had previously led in World Cup matches for only 29 minutes combined, doubled that figure thanks to Emam Ashour’s inspired strike in the 19th minute.

On his 34th birthday, Mohamed Salah orchestrated the move, threading the ball to Ashour, who took one touch before firing through the legs of Thomas Meunier and past Thibaut Courtois.

It was the Al Ahly midfielder’s first international goal, and it sent Egypt into halftime with a slender but historic lead.

Belgium responded after the break, introducing Romelu Lukaku, the second-highest European international goalscorer of all time.

Just twenty seconds after his arrival, Lukaku’s presence in the box forced Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany into an own goal from a Meunier cross in the 66th minute, leveling the score.

Despite the setback, Egypt held firm to secure a valuable point, marking progress in their World Cup journey.