Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to shift the momentum at Seattle Stadium, but neither side could claim all three points as Belgium and Egypt shared a 1-1 draw in their FIFA World Cup group stage encounter.

It was Egypt's Mohamed Hany who inadvertently decided the outcome — his own goal handing Belgium their equaliser and, in doing so, denying the Egypt Pharaohs what would have been a landmark first-ever victory at the FIFA World Cup.

A moment of misfortune

Egypt had been on course to make history before Hany's unfortunate deflection turned the match on its head. The Pharaohs showed genuine defensive resilience and threatened on the counter-attack throughout.

Belgium, one of Europe's established powers, laboured to break Egypt down and required Lukaku's introduction to inject urgency into their attack. The veteran forward's presence immediately altered the dynamic, pressing Egypt deeper and creating the pressure that ultimately led to the own goal.

Lukaku's impact

Lukaku did not find the scoresheet himself, but his introduction proved pivotal. His physicality and movement stretched Egypt's backline and unsettled a defence that had otherwise been organised and disciplined.

For Egypt, the result is a bittersweet one. The Pharaohs came within touching distance of etching their name into World Cup history, only to be denied by a cruel twist of fate in the shape of Hany's own goal.

World Cup implications

The draw leaves both Belgium and Egypt with one point from the match, setting up a compelling battle in the group as both nations seek progression in the tournament. For the Pharaohs, it remains an encouraging platform — they proved competitive against a seasoned Belgium side — but the heartbreak of what might have been will linger.

Belgium, meanwhile, will know they must improve if they are to advance deep into this World Cup. A draw against Egypt, while not a disaster, falls short of the ambitions of a squad packed with quality.