Belgium vs Egypt 1-1 — An Own Goal Salvages a Point

Belgium and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw in a group-stage match where the expected-goals numbers came out close for both sides — 1.35 to 1.08 in the hosts' favor.

El-Sayed Ashour put Egypt ahead in the 20th minute, catching Belgium's defense off guard, and the hosts only leveled it in the 66th thanks to a Mohamed Hany own goal — a rare scenario in which the equalizer came not from an attacker but from the opposing defender.

Hany's own goal was the only way through

Until the 66th minute, Belgium hadn't converted a single one of the chances they created against a well-organized Egyptian defense.

It took a random moment rather than a structured attack to finally produce the hosts' goal.

15 shots for the hosts against 14 for the visitors — numbers from an even game

The gap in volume created turned out to be minimal — the two sides played an almost even match by shot count.

Making this one of the most balanced contests of the group stage.

Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah couldn't settle it

With attacking talent of this caliber on the pitch — Kevin De Bruyne for Belgium, Mohamed Salah for Egypt.

A 1-1 draw looks more like the logical outcome of an even contest than a failure from either attacking line.

8 blocked shots for the visitors against 5 for the hosts

Egypt's defense blocked more of the opponent's attempts than Belgium's did.

A stat underlining that the visitors' defensive organization was at least a match for a side objectively considered the more decorated of the two.

A goals-prevented reading of -0.36 for both sides

A negative goals-prevented figure for both teams means the actual result was slightly worse than the model expected.

A statistic confirming the relatively productive nature of this match for both sides.

Rudi Garcia couldn't find a way to win at home

Belgium's coaching staff made three substitutions between the 56th and 66th minutes, searching for an answer against a well-organized visiting defense.

The effort only produced an own goal from the opponent rather than a goal from the hosts' own attacking play.

What the draw means for the group table

Belgium and Egypt entered the match level on points — 5 apiece, both already marked for the round of 32.

The draw preserved the status quo in the standings ahead of the remaining group fixtures.

Head-to-head history points to an even rivalry

Of 2 meetings between the sides, each has one win — the most recent 2022 meeting ended in a 2-1 Egypt win.

Making this one of the more balanced series between a European and an African national team.

A draw suits both teams given the level standings

With both sides level on points before kickoff, the shared result didn't change the group picture.

Both national teams continue fighting for the best possible position ahead of the knockout stage.