Belgium looked destined for an early World Cup exit before producing a remarkable turnaround to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling last-32 encounter. The dramatic victory keeps Rudi Garcia’s side in the tournament and sends them into a last-16 meeting with the United States.
For most of the contest, Senegal appeared to have complete control. Their attacking intent was evident from the opening stages as Ismaila Sarr struck the post before failing to convert the rebound. Moments later, Sarr again hit the woodwork with a header from Sadio Mane’s delivery, but Habib Diarra reacted quickest to guide the loose ball into the net from close range.
The African side doubled their advantage shortly after the interval with an outstanding move. Moussa Niakhate’s long pass exposed Belgium’s defence, allowing Sarr to race clear, cushion the ball with his chest, and fire an emphatic finish beyond Thibaut Courtois for a deserved 2-0 lead.
With only minutes remaining, Belgium still had little to show for their efforts, while Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw had rarely been tested as his team looked set to progress comfortably.
Lukaku sparks late revival
Belgium’s hopes were revived in the closing moments when half-time substitute Romelu Lukaku converted Thomas Meunier’s cross with a clever touch to reduce the deficit and give his side renewed belief.
The momentum quickly shifted. In the 89th minute, Leandro Trossard delivered a dangerous cross into the area that Diaw failed to claim, allowing captain Youri Tielemans to head home the equaliser and force the match into extra time.
Earlier in the second half, Tielemans and Trossard had been involved in a heated exchange before the hydration break, with Lukaku stepping in to calm the situation between his team-mates.
Belgium’s dramatic recovery left Senegal stunned after the African side had controlled large periods of the contest and held what appeared to be a commanding lead with only minutes left on the clock.
Tielemans settles marathon contest
The decisive moment finally arrived in the closing seconds of extra time. After Dodi Lukebakio’s effort brushed the crossbar, the referee awarded Belgium a penalty for Lamine Camara’s sliding challenge on Tielemans following a VAR review that lasted seven minutes.
Tielemans accepted the responsibility from the spot and confidently sent his penalty into the top corner in the 125th minute, completing Belgium’s extraordinary comeback and securing a place in the next round.
The late penalty proved devastating for Senegal, whose promising performance ultimately ended in disappointment after surrendering their two-goal advantage.
Belgium remain alive while Senegal’s campaign ends
Belgium’s victory keeps alive the ambitions of several experienced members of the squad. Lukaku, one of the remaining players from the country’s celebrated generation, made a decisive impact after coming off the bench despite concerns over his condition before the tournament. Manager Rudi Garcia had previously described the striker as being “out of shape” when selecting him for the World Cup after an injury-affected season with Napoli.
Lukaku’s contribution ensured that both he and Kevin De Bruyne, who was substituted after 56 minutes and reacted with visible frustration, will have another opportunity to pursue international success.
For Senegal, the defeat brought another painful conclusion on the international stage. Earlier this year they defeated Morocco 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations final before later being stripped of the title following a controversial walk-off linked to a disputed stoppage-time penalty.
Belgium will stay in Seattle for their last-16 match on Tuesday, 7 July, where they will meet either the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina. Senegal, meanwhile, leave the tournament after seeing a winning position slip away in dramatic fashion.