Youri Tielemans played the full 90 minutes and Amadou Onana featured for 56 as Belgium rescued a 1-1 draw against Egypt in their World Cup opener.
- Tielemans sent the ball into the right channel that led to Egypt’s own-goal equaliser
- Onana played 56 minutes in central midfield before being withdrawn in Seattle
- Egypt led through Emam Ashour’s 21st-minute strike before Mohamed Hany turned the ball into his own net
- Belgium next face Iran on Sunday 21 June at 8pm BST
Tielemans plays his part in the equaliser
Belgium’s opening World Cup fixture against Egypt produced exactly the kind of tense, closely fought contest that the occasion demanded. Youri Tielemans, leading his country as captain, came close to scoring himself just after the hour mark. Nevertheless, his most significant contribution arrived in the build-up to Belgium’s leveller. The Villa midfielder sent a ball down the right channel for Thomas Meunier, whose low cross was subsequently turned into his own net by Egypt defender Mohamed Hany under pressure from substitute Romelu Lukaku.
That equaliser arrived in the 66th minute, just seconds after Lukaku had entered the field. Crucially, Belgium manager Rudi Garcia later explained the psychological effect of his introduction. “Frankly, when you are the opponent and you see Romelu Lukaku entering the field, your confidence goes down and your anxiety increases.” Indeed, Lukaku’s mere presence drew two Egyptian defenders toward him, directly creating the panic that led to Hany’s unfortunate own goal.
Tielemans completed the entire 90 minutes in Seattle, continuing the excellent form that defined his Europa League final performance for Aston Villa. Furthermore, his captaincy of the national side reflects the same leadership qualities Villa supporters have witnessed throughout an extraordinary season.
Onana’s contribution in a battling display
Amadou Onana played 56 minutes in Belgium’s midfield, operating in the disciplined role that has become familiar across his recent international appearances. Although Egypt frequently doubled up on Jérémy Doku and disrupted Belgium’s attacking width for long periods, Onana’s contribution helped Belgium maintain control in central areas as the match progressed.
His withdrawal arrived as Garcia made changes designed to manage his squad’s energy levels in the demanding Seattle heat, where temperatures reached 30C at kick-off. Consequently, the conditions placed a significant premium on squad management throughout and Onana’s substitution reflected sensible game management rather than any specific concern about his performance.
A dramatic contest in Seattle’s heat
Egypt’s opener arrived in the 21st minute through Al-Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour, whose drilled strike beat Thibaut Courtois at his near post. The goal, scored on Mohamed Salah’s 34th birthday, sparked passionate celebrations among Egypt’s significant travelling support. Moreover, the seven-time African champions came close to extending their lead before half-time, with Courtois twice required to make important saves.
However, Belgium’s growing control after the interval, combined with Garcia’s tactical introduction of Lukaku, ultimately proved decisive in salvaging a point. The Belgium manager was specific about his plans for managing his record goalscorer throughout the tournament. “We’re going far this summer with Romelu, so we have to go easy on him. The goal is to get as far as possible with a Romelu who doesn’t get hurt.”
Group G takes shape
The draw leaves Group G finely balanced after the opening round of fixtures. Belgium next face Iran on Sunday 21 June, with both Tielemans and Onana expected to feature prominently as Garcia’s side looks to build on a hard-fought opening point. Therefore, the next fixture carries significant importance for Belgium’s progression hopes in a group that has already proven more competitive than many had anticipated.
ReadAstonVilla Verdict
A point on the board, two Villa players involved throughout, and Tielemans directly contributing to the equaliser. Not the perfect start Belgium wanted, but certainly not a damaging one either. Onward to Iran.
