SEATTLE:
In a thrilling FIFA World Cup Group G match, Egypt came very close to winning the World Cup for the first time, but an unlucky own goal turned the winner into a draw and the match tied at one goal apiece.
From the beginning of the match, the Egyptian team played an aggressive style and in the 21st minute, the midfielder Iman Ashour showed a great play and fired a strong shot from 20 meters away and it went straight into the net.
Belgian veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois failed to stop the ball and Egypt took a significant lead.
Egypt had chances to double their lead in the first half but Courtois saved his team from further damage by making some brilliant saves.
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah also played a dangerous header in the second half which was brilliantly saved by the Belgian goalkeeper.
The defining moment of the match came in the 66th minute when Belgium coach Rudy Garcia brought on his star Romelu Lukaku.
Moments after Lukaku’s arrival, the ball from Thomas Meunier was put into the net by Egyptian defender Mohamed Hani under pressure.
Earlier, Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne’s free-kick also hit the post, suggesting the European side were struggling to get back into the match.
A huge crowd of Egyptian fans cheered their team on in Seattle, but the seven-time African champions once again missed out on their first World Cup victory.
Egypt are winless in eight matches since their first participation in the World Cup in 1934, but this time the team avoided defeat against a strong opponent and at least got a point.
