Belgium draw 1–1 with Egypt, Verheyen questions the defending

Belgium 1–1 Egypt in limp World Cup opener

Your team started the World Cup with a flat 1–1 draw against Egypt at Lumen Field. Leandro Trossard put Belgium ahead, but Egypt hit back and the performance left real questions (10) (11).

Gert Verheyen did not hold back on the defending. "That action confirms there are too few agreements," he said after Egypt's equalizer. He also pointed a finger at Jeremy Doku, spotting something in a nine-finger gesture that signalled an attacking problem (16).

So Group G is level. Nobody has an advantage after one game, but you go into the next match needing more.

Seattle friendly won, but no momentum carried over

The day before the opener, Belgium beat a Seattle Sounders B-team 2–1 in a training-ground friendly (13). Romelu Lukaku provided an assist and had a goal ruled offside. Matias Fernandez-Pardo got on the scoresheet (6) (7).

Thibaut Courtois, Lukaku, Witsel, Theate, and several others featured as Garcia used the runout to test legs (14). Whatever confidence that win was meant to build, it did not travel to the Egypt match.

Debast stays with the squad despite injury

Zeno Debast is training individually but remains in the World Cup camp. No decision has been taken to send him home (3). For now, he is still a defensive option.

Garcia's message and his go-to player

Rudi Garcia has not taken the easy route with this squad, according to our football editor. He has a clear idea of how he wants this rebooted Belgium to play, and he has identified his "signature player" to anchor it (1). No name was confirmed in the piece, but the coach's approach is set.

Vanaken praised, a warning tucked inside

Our Devils correspondent sent Hans Vanaken a personal message that doubles as a team observation: "You sacrifice yourself for the team, Hans. Hopefully the national coach doesn't use that against you" (8). Vanaken started against Egypt.

The Lukaku–De Bruyne handshake explained

The iconic handshake between Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne has its own origin story, and any resemblance to the old Van der Elst–Ekakia routine is pure coincidence (15). A small detail, but one that has followed the pair for years.

Messi equals a record, Belgium enjoy an afternoon off

While Belgium rested on Tuesday, Lionel Messi matched a World Cup record. Norway's fans stole the show, Kylian Mbappé had a sharp reply for someone, and Germany's camp dealt with a venomous snake (2) (4). The squad spent the free afternoon with family, Courtois had a family moment, De Bruyne took his kids in a taxi (3) (5).

Belgians scattered across the tournament

Hugo Broos is leading South Africa. A Belgian is on Germany's staff. There is a specialist with Ghana. And Racing Genk have a link to Messi's training pitch (12). The Red Devils are not the only Belgian story at this World Cup.

Martinez could leave Portugal after the tournament

Roberto Martinez may step down as Portugal coach once their World Cup ends (14). A footnote for Belgium fans who remember his tenure.