Lukaku seizes spotlight from Salah, De Bruyne in Belgium's draw with Egypt - ESPN

SEATTLE — In a game that was billed as Mohamed Salah vs. Kevin De Bruyne, it was another legendary name whose influence was arguably most profound.

Heavily favored Belgium were struggling for inspiration against Egypt before Romelu Lukaku conjured up a crucial equalizer without even touching the ball. Just 23 seconds after his introduction in the second half at Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field), the veteran striker forced his way between two defenders and employed some smart movement to prompt Mohamed Hany to divert the ball into his own net.

Described by head coach Rudi Garcia as being «out of shape» on the eve of the tournament, Lukaku's introduction proved decisive as Belgium held Egypt to a 1-1 draw in their Group G opener. It was a fitting contribution on an afternoon when a number of great players began to write what might yet prove to be their final World Cup stories.

First, of course, it was Salah's turn to grab the spotlight. It has been an arduous season for the talismanic forward, who brought down the curtain on a glittering nine-year Liverpool career last month.

On Monday, his 34th birthday, Salah led his country out with the weight of his nation on his shoulders. Despite their imperious continental pedigree, Egypt have never won a game at the World Cup, let alone make it to the knockout stages.

Salah — so accustomed to shouldering the hopes and dreams of so many, both for club and country — helped set his side on the path to breaking that gloomy record when he teed up Emam Ashour to score a superb opening goal inside 21 minutes.

It was no less than Egypt deserved, with Hossam Hassan's side seemingly relishing the underdog label.

«We haven't been showing up as frequently as other teams,» Hassan acknowledged in