Heartbreak in Seattle: The "Cruel" own goal that rescued Belgium against Egypt

15.06.26 FT World Cup

Belgium

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Egypt

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A cruel second half own goal leveled the score for Belgium against Egypt on Monday 15 Jun during a fiery World Cup encounter in Seattle.

The second half at Lumen Field transformed into a completely different tactical battle. Trailing by a goal, the European powerhouse emerged from the dressing room with all guns blazing, relentlessly pinning the Pharaohs inside their own penalty box.

The warning signs were constant. In the 53 minute, Manchester City maestro Kevin De Bruyne unleashed a spectacular curling free kick that rattled the left post. Less than ten minutes later, De Bruyne forced a stunning reflex save from Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir with a fierce volley.

Belgium's young winger Jérémy Doku was an absolute nightmare on the flank using his explosive acceleration to systematically tire out the Egyptian defensive line.

A crushing deflection

The intense Belgian pressure finally broke the Egyptian resistance in the 66 minute through a stroke of terrible luck. Thomas Meunier whipped a dangerous, low cross across the face of the goal targeting powerhouse substitute Romelu Lukaku.

In a desperate bid to clear the danger, center back Yasser Ibrahim lunged into a sliding interception.

Tragically the ball ricocheted directly off his defensive partner, Mohamed Hany, completely wrongfooting Shobeir and trickling into the back of the net.

While the stadium initially erupted thinking Lukaku had scored with his very first touch of the match, official television replays quickly confirmed the devastating own goal.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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Belgium

Egypt

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