Belgium vs Egypt: Winners & losers - Ashour shines as Lukaku misfires

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GOAL

·15 June 2026

Belgium vs Egypt: Winners & losers - Ashour shines as Lukaku misfires

Egypt earned a historic World Cup point against Belgium as the Group G opener ended 1–1, with Emam Ashour's stunning 19th-minute strike cancelled out by Mohamed Hany's unfortunate own goal after Romelu Lukaku's introduction. Belgium dominated the second half but squandered several chances, including Lukaku's close-range header over the bar in the 87th minute. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Belgium v Egypt.

Winners

Emam Ashour (Egypt)

Emam Ashour delivered the moment that will define Egypt's World Cup opener. In the 19th minute, he received Mohamed Salah's pass at the edge of the box, controlled the ball with his right foot, and drove a powerful low shot into the bottom left corner. Thibaut Courtois had no chance as the ball nestled in the net.

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The midfielder had appeared only sparingly before his decisive intervention, but showed composure and technique when the opportunity arose. His positioning to find space at the edge of the area, combined with the quality of his finish, demonstrated the cutting edge Egypt needed against a side ranked ninth in the world.

Ashour's strike gave Egypt the platform for their best result in World Cup history, earning just their third-ever point at the tournament. Though Belgium eventually equalised, the goal's significance remained intact as proof Egypt could compete at the highest level. He was substituted in the 71st minute having made the match's defining contribution.

Mohanad Lasheen (Egypt)

Mohanad Lasheen excelled in his defensive midfield role with an outstanding display of positional awareness and tackling. His discipline provided essential protection for Egypt's back line, allowing the attacking players freedom to push forward on the counter. The midfielder won numerous battles in the centre of the pitch throughout the contest.

Lasheen made a crucial block on Romelu Lukaku's shot from the edge of the area in the second half, denying what could have been a winning goal for Belgium. He also produced an exceptional sliding tackle to dispossess Lukaku late in the game when the striker threatened to break clear on goal.

His reading of the game proved vital as Belgium pushed for a winner in the final 20 minutes. With Lukaku on the pitch and Belgium committing numbers forward, Lasheen's interventions repeatedly snuffed out danger before it could materialise. Egypt's historic point owed much to his tireless work shielding the defence.

Loser

Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

Romelu Lukaku's substitute appearance encapsulated Belgium's frustrating evening. Introduced in the 66th minute, his presence in the box immediately contributed to the equalising own goal when Mohamed Hany deflected the ball into his own net while trying to prevent Lukaku connecting with Thomas Meunier's cross. Yet his night ended in regret.

In the 87th minute, Lukaku rose unmarked inside the six-yard box and headed at goal from close range. The chance looked certain to complete Belgium's comeback, but he sent the ball over the bar. A clear opportunity to win the match had been squandered when he should have scored.

Belgium entered the World Cup with a 17-match unbeaten run, yet failed to secure all three points against a side they dominated after the break. Lukaku's missed header summed up their wastefulness in front of goal. His cameo brought the equaliser, but the golden chance that slipped away will linger longer in the memory.