Garcia brands Iran clash a 'must-win' for Belgium after opening draw with Egypt

Belgium "have to win against Iran," who they face in their next match on Sunday, the manager said, as they aim to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2018. "There are no two ways about it."

Egypt started strongly in the first half, taking a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute with an excellent strike from midfielder Emam Ashour, his first international goal.

"We should have been better as a team in the first half," Garcia said.

Belgium equalised in the 66th minute, when Egypt defender Mohamed Hany turned a cross into his own net under pressure from forward Romelu Lukaku, who had just come on as a substitute.

"I'm happy for him, and when you're an opponent and you see Lukaku coming onto the pitch you are probably shaking in your boots and your level of worry is probably on the rise," Garcia added.

However, Garcia said the striker is not ready to start after only playing occasionally last season for Serie A side Napoli.

Jeremy Doku was substituted for midfielder Matias Fernandez-Pardo in the 86th minute, as Garcia revealed the winger had been dealing with a breathing issue.

Doku has "a little bit of a niggle," he said. "He's got a breathing issue. It is going a lot better, but I thought he needed to leave the pitch so that he keeps a bit of wind in him. Some energy for the next game."