Egypt looked poised to rewrite its World Cup history after going 1-0 up against Belgium in Seattle. Instead, Romelu Lukaku needed less than half a minute to remind everyone why he remains one of international football's most influential forwards.

“Big Rom” made an immediate impact off the bench, helping force an own goal just seconds after entering the match as Belgium salvaged a 1-1 draw against Egypt in an entertaining Group G opener at Seattle Stadium.

For Egypt, it was a result that carried equal parts pride and frustration. The Pharaohs came within touching distance of what would have been the nation's first-ever World Cup victory, only to see it slip away after a disciplined and energetic performance against one of Europe's most talented squads.

The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute through Emam Ashour, who capped a flowing counterattack started by Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool star slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of the Al Ahly midfielder, who calmly fired through traffic and beyond Thibaut Courtois for his first international goal.

The strike sent the Egyptian supporters into celebration and gave the Pharaohs something they have rarely experienced on the World Cup stage: a lead.

Egypt had opportunities to extend that advantage. Salah was at the center of nearly everything dangerous, while Omar Marmoush and Zico both tested Belgium's defense during a confident first-half display. At the other end, Courtois was forced into several key interventions to keep Belgium within reach.

Belgium, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm despite flashes from Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, and Leandro Trossard. The Red Devils controlled possession for stretches but often found themselves frustrated by Egypt's organization and intensity.

With Belgium chasing an equalizer, head coach Rudi Garcia called upon Lukaku. Twenty-three seconds later, the score was level in the 66th minute.

Thomas Meunier's cross flashed across the six-yard box, where Lukaku charged between two defenders. Under pressure from Belgium's all-time leading scorer, Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned the ball past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir and into his own net.

Officially recorded as an own goal, the moment nevertheless belonged to Lukaku, whose presence immediately changed the complexion of the match.

Both sides pushed for a winner during an open final stretch. Egypt nearly reclaimed the lead through Salah, while Belgium came close through De Bruyne and Brandon Mechele. Shobeir produced several important saves to preserve the draw, while Courtois remained alert whenever Egypt threatened on the break.

In the end, neither side found a decisive second goal.

For Belgium, the result extends an impressive unbeaten run but leaves questions about a team expected to challenge for a deep tournament run. For Egypt, there was disappointment at letting victory escape, yet also encouragement from a performance that demonstrated they belong on this stage.

The Pharaohs are still searching for their first World Cup win. After a night like this, however, that breakthrough feels closer than ever.