Belgium held as Egypt snatch late World Cup point in Seattle stalemate
The Mt Kenya Times 
Egypt rescue a dramatic 1-1 draw in Group G as Salah’s stoppage-time curler cancels out Lukaku’s opener at Lumen Field
By Norman Mwale
Belgium’s World Cup campaign opened with frustration rather than fireworks as Egypt battled to a richly deserved 1-1 draw in a tense Group G opener at Lumen Field, Seattle. Romelu Lukaku looked to have steered the Red Devils to a winning start with a clinical 67th-minute finish, only for Mohamed Salah to deliver a stunning sucker punch deep into stoppage time — curling home a 92nd-minute equaliser that silenced the Belgian bench and reignited Egyptian hopes in an instant.
The final scoreline, Belgium 1-1 Egypt, told only part of the story. It flattered a Belgian side that dominated possession for long stretches but repeatedly lacked the cutting edge to put the contest beyond reach. The Pharaohs, by contrast, defended with admirable discipline, held their shape under sustained pressure, and struck with devastating precision when it mattered most.
Lukaku’s opener arrived through a sweeping move down the right flank, the veteran striker controlling Kevin De Bruyne’s precise cross before rifling a low finish past Mohamed El-Shenawy. It was the kind of composed, experienced finish that had Belgium’s supporters daring to believe — but they would not celebrate for long.
Belgium head coach Domenico Tedesco acknowledged his side’s control of the contest but was candid about the cost of the late defensive lapse. “We were the better team for 85 minutes,” he said. “To concede in the 92nd minute is painful. We must learn to kill games at this level.” It is a lesson his side will be desperate to absorb before their next outing.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan, meanwhile, was full of pride for his players’ resilience and for the leadership shown by his talismanic captain. “This team never stops believing,” Hassan said. “Mo showed the world why he is captain — a moment of magic when we needed it most.” His delight was palpable, and understandably so.
Salah himself was measured but quietly confident in his post-match assessment. “One point is better than none,” he said. “We fought until the last second. Now we look to the next game with confidence.” Few players in world football possess the composure to deliver such moments, and Saturday night in Seattle was yet another reminder of precisely why Salah remains among the elite.
The result leaves Group G wide open at the top. Belgium, who will feel they should have seen the game out, face an immediate test of character in their next fixture. Egypt, buoyed by belief and the knowledge that their captain can conjure something extraordinary from nothing, will dare to dream of progressing in this expanded, 48-team World Cup.
One point each. Everything still to play for.
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