Pre-matchMonday, June 15

Red Devils Face Pharaohs as 61 Poolsters Bank on Belgian Bounce-Back

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Belgium open their Group G campaign against Egypt in a clash where Kevin De Bruyne's fitness and the Red Devils' post-golden-generation rebuild meet the Pharaohs' resurgent ambitions.

61 of you backed Belgium to win, with 20 calling 2-0 and 17 going 2-1 — only 2 brave souls picked the upset.

De Bruyne Fitness Gamble

Kevin De Bruyne remains Belgium's creative fulcrum but enters the tournament managing wear after a demanding club season. Manager Domenico Tedesco has rotated the Manchester City maestro carefully through friendlies, suggesting he'll start but may not last ninety minutes. Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana provide cover if Belgium need to protect their playmaker.

Lukaku Leads New-Look Attack

Romelu Lukaku spearheads a retooled Belgian front line that blends his veteran instincts with Jérémy Doku's pace and Loïs Openda's breakout form. The trio combined for five goals across Belgium's final two warm-up matches, offering Tedesco tactical flexibility whether he wants width or a classic target man. Expect Belgium to press high and exploit Egypt's occasionally shaky build-up play.

Egypt's Salah-Powered Revival

Mohamed Salah arrives as Egypt's talisman and captain after a stellar club campaign, flanked by emerging talent like Omar Marmoush. The Pharaohs qualified impressively through African preliminaries and have conceded just twice in their last five internationals, anchored by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. They'll sit deep, dare Belgium to break them down, and spring Salah on the counter.

Group G Opening Nerves

Both sides know a Matchday 1 win in a tight four-team group can prove decisive. Belgium's aging core—Vertonghen, Alderweireld, and Witsel all north of 34—face a physical Egyptian midfield that will test their legs over ninety minutes. If the Red Devils start slow, those 11 draw-pickers might yet look clever.

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