De Bruyne starts as Belgium lose out to Egypt | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne started as Belgium went down to a 2-1 loss to Egypt in a friendly match played in Kuwait.

The City midfielder played for the first 45 minutes before being substituted at half-time as Roberto Martinez’s side completed their preparations ahead of the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, which gets underway on Sunday.

De Bruyne lined up in a powerful looking Belgium midfield alongside skipper Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel.

However, it proved a hard-fought encounter against the 2021 African Cup of Nations runners-up who prevailed thanks to goals from Mostafa Mohamed and Trezeguet in either half despite a late Belgian rally.

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Michy Batshuayi saw a ninth minute effort hit the bar but it was far from one-way traffic with Belgium ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois twice having to deny Trezeguet.

And it was Egypt who struck first, the Pharaohs taking a 33rd minute lead through Mohamed’s close-range effort.

Carrasco came close to levelling before Egypt doubled their advantage a minute after the restart, Trabzonspor winger Trezeguet beating Courtois.

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Fourteen minutes from time, Belgium narrowed the deficit through Lois Openda as he converted Carrasco’s cross but despite a late rally in Kuwait City, Egypt held on to claim the victory.

Belgium get their World Cup campaign underway against Canada on Wednesday.

The Red Devils will also face Croatia and Morocco as they seek to progress from Group F and emulate their fine showing at Russia in 2018 where they finished third – their best ever showing at a World Cup.

Belgium also reached the last four at Mexico in 1986.

We will follow all 16 Manchester City players at the World Cup throughout the tournament here on mancity.com and our official app.