**Belgium and Egypt opened their FIFA World Cup accounts in Seattle on Monday night with a 1-1 draw involving Manchester City duo Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush.**
An unfortunate second-half defensive error derailed **Egypt’s** quest for a first-ever **World Cup** victory as **[Belgium](https://cityxtra.co.uk/42219/manchester-city-scouts-eye-potential-transfer-targets-at-blockbuster-europa-league-clash-in-belgium/)** fought back to claim a 1-1 draw in their Group G opener at Seattle Stadium.
The Pharaohs ignited their contingent of West Coast supporters in the 21st minute when Al Ahly’s **Emam Ashour** unleashed a spectacular 20-yard strike that flew past the outstretched arms of **Thibaut Courtois** into the bottom corner.
However, the historic milestone was stripped away midway through the second half as newly-introduced substitute **Romelu Lukaku** forced Egyptian defender **Mohamed Hany** to accidentally bundle **Thomas Meunier’s** driven cross past his own goalkeeper.
The equaliser shifted the momentum of the contest, and while the seven-time African champions were desperate to break a frustrating World Cup dry spell that traces back to their debut in 1934, they found themselves pinned back to weather a late storm from the European nation.
In the end, a series of defensive blocks and interventions preserved the point, ensuring Egypt avoided a defeat and walked away with a hard-earned and well-deserved draw for only the third time in their history.
86 Minutes Played53 Touches20 Accurate Passes80% Pass Accuracy6 Recoveries6 Ground Duels Won5 Was Fouled5 Touches In Opposition Box1 Interception1 Successful Dribble
1 Pass Into Final Third
90 Minutes Played31 Touches11 Accurate Passes85% Pass Accuracy
**7 Touches In Opposition Box (Most)
5 Shots (Most)**
5 Ground Duels Won
**3 Successful Dribbles (Most)**
2 Recoveries2 Passes Into Final Third1 Tackle1 Was Fouled1 Interception1 Chance Created1 Aerial Duel Won
1 Accurate Long Ball
**Data courtesy of Fotmob.**