Romelu Lukaku had not yet touched the ball when Mohamed Hany’s despairing foot turned it into his own net. But the damage — psychological as much as physical — was done. Just over half an hour earlier, Egypt had been on the verge of a famous first World Cup victory. Then Rudi Garcia turned to his bench and sent on the player Belgium have long relied on in thorny situations.
“Frankly, when you are the opponent and you see Romelu Lukaku entering the field, your confidence goes down and your anxiety increases,” Garcia said after the 1-1 draw at Seattle Stadium. Lukaku himself did not score, but his presence alone forced two defenders to track his first run into the box. The space opened, the cross arrived, and Hany’s attempted clearance nestled past his own goalkeeper.
“Romelu Lukaku's introduction forced an own goal as Belgium snatched a 1-1 draw, denying Egypt a first World Cup win.”
It was a brutal end to what had been a masterful Egyptian performance. Playing on his 34th birthday, Mohamed Salah fizzed a pass to Emam Ashour, who cut inside and fired a shot under Thomas Meunier’s leg and beyond a diving Thibaut Courtois. The Al-Ahly midfielder’s first international goal on his 30th appearance sent the 66,775-strong crowd into a frenzy, the stands physically rocking as Egypt celebrated the breakthrough in the 19th minute.
The conditions were punishing: on-field temperatures hit 30C (86F) under a heat advisory, prompting cooling breaks that have been universally adopted for this tournament. Belgium struggled to impose their width, with Egypt doubling up on winger Jérémy Doku. Both sides tested referee Ramon Abatti’s tolerance, exchanging early yellow cards.
But Garcia’s substitution changed everything. “When you see Romelu Lukaku entering the field, your confidence goes down,” the coach repeated. The instant impact forced the own goal that denied Egypt the most famous win in their World Cup history. The draw leaves Group G finely poised, with both presumptive frontrunners sharing the spoils in a closely fought contest that could yet define the group.