The big man is brought on off the bench to replace De Ketelaere in the 66th minute, and that is also the minute he scores to bring Belgium level. With his first touch, no less. Hany is officially credited with an own goal, though he played very little part. Lukaku, fending off attention from both Ibrahim and Hany, stretches to reach a cross from Meunier and, as he does, Ibrahim gets the touch and “clears” the ball into his own net, via a deflection off Hany.
By all means tell me if you disagree, but Belgium were missing that commanding presence up front in the first hour. Egypt have had chances aplenty, though it has to be said De Bruyne really should have scored for Belgium minutes before Lukaku did, instead of miskicking a shot he could have buried with his eyes closed.
This makes the last period of the match more interesting, and it is nice for Lukaku, given he’s copped a bit in the build-up for being out of shape (not to mention a forgettable Qatar 2022 exit).
Belgium 1-1 Egypt, 66 minutes
