Egypt draw Belgium, World Cup win still out of reach

Egypt hold Belgium, the wait for a win goes on

The wait goes on. Egypt 1–1 Belgium in the Group G opener on Monday, and your team still have never won a World Cup match, now 0 for 8 (1) (2) (3) (4).

But this one felt different. Emam Ashour scored the goal, and Egypt led until Romelu Lukaku pulled Belgium level (1) (5). Rudi Garcia called you "one of Africa's top teams" afterwards (1). A point, hard earned.

Abdelkarim, 18, becomes Egypt's youngest World Cup player

Hamza Abdelkarim came on and made history. At 18, he is now the youngest Egyptian ever to play at a World Cup (1) (2).

"We gave it our all," he said after the match. "The whole team wanted the three points. We got one point in the end" (1). No fear from the teenager.

Penders stays on Belgium bench

Mike Penders watched from the bench. The Chelsea goalkeeper was an unused substitute for Belgium, continuing his World Cup education without getting on the pitch (3). No debut yet.

Belgian media tear into Tielemans after Egypt draw

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans got roasted by his own press. RTBF said he "was virtually invisible for an hour" before his pass to Thomas Meunier set up the equaliser. The verdict: "We expect much more from him as the tournament progresses" (2). Your midfield made him look ordinary.

Fan-reaktioner

The mood is split between frustration and perspective. Some Egypt fans see the draw as a sign the team can finally compete at this level; others point out the record now reads 0 wins in 8 World Cup attempts. The bigger talking point online, though, has nothing to do with football, a report on Gianni Infantino's private jet and police-escorted dash across the US to catch two games a day is doing the rounds, and the cynicism is loud. Read the thread.