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Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to rescue Belgium from defeat in their World Cup opener, with the experienced striker playing a crucial part in Mohamed Hany’s own goal that earned the Red Devils a 1-1 draw against Egypt in Seattle. Rudi Garcia’s side entered their Group G opener unbeaten in all competitions since March last year, but they appeared on course for a surprising loss after Emam Ashour’s stunning 19th-minute strike from outside the box.

Egypt continued to trouble Belgium throughout the first half, with Mohamed Salah combining impressively with Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Ziko and Ashour. Belgium, in stark contrast, could barely string together more than a couple of passes and failed to record a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.

However, Kevin De Bruyne hit the post with a free-kick as Belgium grew stronger as the match progressed. The introduction of Lukaku proved decisive, as Hany turned in a low cross from Thomas Meunier that the Napoli forward seemed ready to convert moments after coming on. Lukaku even had a chance to win it late on but squandered a promising headed opportunity.

Here’s how the Belgium players rated in Seattle:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (4/10):

A very shaky performance from the Real Madrid goalkeeper, who not only conceded from Ashour’s long-range effort but also failed to deal with a corner and completely mistimed an attempt to parry a Mohamed Salah header.

Thomas Meunier (5/10):

The right-back’s positioning for Ashour’s goal was poor, allowing him far too much space, but he made amends by delivering the dangerous cross that led to the own goal and nearly scored himself late on.

Nathan Ngoy (4/10):

Fortunate to escape punishment after gifting possession to Omar Marmoush in the first half and later pushing the same player in the box after being beaten too easily in midfield.

Brandon Mechele (5/10):

Showed composure on the ball and made some strong tackles, but overall lacked assurance as Egypt’s movement in attack caused him persistent trouble.

Timothy Castagne (4/10):

Booked early in the 14th minute for hauling down Salah, so it was surprising that Garcia waited until the second half to replace him.

Midfield

Amadou Onana (3/10):

A quiet outing from the Aston Villa midfielder, who failed to assert himself and was substituted before the hour mark.

Youri Tielemans (6/10):

Unusually ineffective in the first half but grew into the game after the break, possibly encouraged by a well-hit volley that went narrowly wide. It was the Aston Villa playmaker who found Meunier in the build-up to the equaliser.

Attack

Leandro Trossard (5/10):

Produced a brilliant back-heel pass for Meunier but didn’t provide the same attacking drive as his teammate.

Kevin De Bruyne (6/10):

As usual, looked like Belgium’s most likely source of creativity. Hit the outside of the post with a superb free-kick before later shooting tamely when well-positioned.

Jeremy Doku (5/10):

His speed and dribbling caused issues for Egypt’s defence, but once again his finishing let him down when a good chance fell his way in the first half.

Charles De Ketelaere (3/10):

A disappointing performance from the Atalanta forward, who created just one chance and failed to register a shot. Could lose his starting spot if Lukaku is fit enough to start the next match.

Substitutes & Manager

Maxim De Cuyper (6/10):

Replaced Castagne shortly after half-time and was quickly booked himself.

Nicolas Raskin (6/10):

Came on for Onana in the 56th minute and helped Belgium gain control in midfield.

Romelu Lukaku (7/10):

Didn’t score the equaliser but made a major impact after coming on, unsettling the Egyptian defence immediately.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo (N/A):

Featured only in the final five minutes.

Hans Vanaken (N/A):

Introduced alongside Fernandez-Pardo as part of a late double substitution.

Rudi Garcia (6/10):

Belgium were flat and uninspired in the first half, which reflected poorly on the coach, but credit to Garcia for turning things around after the break. His decision to bring on Lukaku ultimately proved decisive.