81′ Doc made an impressive run from the left but was tripped by Honey, resulting in a free kick just outside the area. It was too wide to attempt a direct shot.
78 minutes: A crucial block! Egypt is having a tough time in this match. De Bruyne and Trossard combined effectively to set up Lukaku, whose powerful drive from 15 yards was bravely blocked, possibly by Fathy, Ibrahim, or even both.
De Bruyne initiated the scoring with an incredible needle-eye pass to Trossard.
Updated to 16.45 EDT
76 minutes: Egypt substitutes Zizo and Hamza Abdelkarim for Zico and Mo Salah. Salah played selflessly in a number 10 role, frequently assisting Marmouche, including the pivotal pass that led to Ashour’s goal.
75′ De Kuiper received a booking, adding to the match’s tension.
(Replays confirmed that he pulled Zico back.)
Updated to 16.39 EDT
In the 73rd minute, Trossard dribbled along the right touchline and delivered a square pass to Meunier, who charged into the area and fired a low shot that was easily saved by Shobeil. The movement was excellent, but the finish lacked power.
71 minutes: Egypt makes a substitution, resuming the match with Rami Rabia replacing scorer Imam Ashour.
67 minutes: A hydration break was called.
Initially thought to be Lukaku’s goal, it was later revealed as an own goal by Mohamed Hany. Meunier delivered a dangerous cross intended for Lukaku, who was engaged with Ibrahim and Hany. In attempting to clear, Ibrahim inadvertently redirected the ball into the net, marking a notable moment for Lukaku, who had only been on the field for 22 seconds.
Goal! Belgium 1-1 Egypt (Lukaku 66)
Romelu Lukaku scored with his very first touch!
Updated to 16.32 EDT
66 minutes: Belgium brings on Romelu Lukaku, 33, for Charles de Ketelaere.
Updated to 16.36 EDT
65 minutes: Salah executed several seemingly straightforward passes that set up Marmouche. Marmouche cut inside from the left side of the area and fired a shot that deflected wide, deceiving Courtois and spinning past the goal.
The tactical decision to deploy Salah in a number 10 role proved beneficial for Egypt.
De Bruyne’s shot in the 64th minute marked Belgium’s first accurate attempt on target.
De Bruyne’s remarkable strike against Brazil in the 2018 quarter-finals remains his last World Cup goal for the time being.
62 min: De Bruyne creates a significant opportunity!
Belgium’s initial corner, taken by De Bruyne from the right, found Tielemans at the edge of the area. He unleashed a powerful left-footed volley that narrowly missed the target, ricocheting off Chobeil.
Just moments later, De Bruyne directed a short cross from Meunier straight at the goalkeeper. Although De Bruyne wasn’t in a clear-cut position, his accuracy has historically made these chances count.
61 minutes: Doc darted between Ibrahim and Attia, going down inside the area, prompting calls for a penalty. The referee, however, seemed unimpressed.
In the 59th minute, Salah found space on the halfway line and threaded a pass to Marmouche, who skillfully evaded Goy and rushed into the area, yet his shot went wide under pressure.
Ngoy applied pressure effectively, but Marmouche quickly recovered from being isolated.
57 minutes: Belgium introduces Maxime de Kuyper and Nicolas Raskin, replacing Timothy Castagne and Amadou Onana.
55 min: Egypt capitalizes on multiple chances!
Marmouche was fouled by Michel in the area but Egypt regained possession and Fotou sent a tempting cross into the center. Salah’s downward header was parried away by Courtois, while Ashour’s follow-up attempt was impressively cleared wide.
Salah had a couple of noteworthy chances, along with Ashour’s impressive showing.
Updated to 16.28 EDT
53 minutes: De Bruyne comes close!
A left-of-center free kick taken by De Bruyne struck the post after ricocheting off the wall, a near miss that resulted in a goal-kick.
Updated to 16.21 EDT
52 minutes: Doc showcased his agility, sidestepping Fathy and drawing a foul on the edge of the area. De Bruyne prepared to take the free kick.
In the 51st minute, Doc maneuvered through defenders in the area, only to have his cross blocked.
Egypt organized well against Doc’s movements, limiting his opportunities.
50 minutes: Doc was fouled 30 yards from the goal, granting Egypt another opportunity. De Bruyne took charge of the set piece.
48 min: Zico had an early second-half chance for Egypt but was unable to convert a low cross from 10 yards out due to a timely block. His effort showcased the ongoing pressure from the Moroccan side.
Updated to 16.14 EDT
Halftime: Belgium 0-1 Egypt
Courtois completely misjudged Salah’s corner kick from the right, relieved to see it avoided by Racine at the far post. It marked the end of a strong first half for Egypt, driven by Imam Ashour’s dynamic performance as they continued to seek their first World Cup victory. Despite controlling possession, Belgium failed to register a single shot on target.
