Romelu Lukuku has shrugged off fitness concerns to help spare Belgium's embarrassment as they fought back for a 1-1 draw against Egypt in their opening match of the World Cup in Seattle.
Lukaku, his country's record goalscorer, was introduced in the 66th minute in Seattle on Monday (Tuesday AEST) and within seconds was involved in the move that saw Mohamed Hany prod in an own goal to bring the two-time semi-finalists back on level terms.
Egypt had started brightly and snatched the lead in the 20th minute when Emam Ashour lashed the ball past Thibaut Courtois from the edge of the box to give his side hope of a first ever win at a World Cup finals.
Belgium looked flat-footed for much of a first period in which they failed to fashion a shot on target, and the African side looked more likely to add to their lead with Mostafa Ziko bringing a fine save out of Courtois on the half-hour mark.
