Belgium produced a stunning late comeback to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash, with captain Youri Tielemans scoring a controversial 125th-minute penalty following a lengthy VAR review.
The Red Devils, who trailed 2-0 with just four minutes left in regulation time, booked their place in the Round of 16, where they will face either the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Senegal dominated the contest for much of the game and took the lead in the 25th minute after Habib Diarra reacted quickest to convert a rebound following Ismaila Sarr’s effort that struck the post.
The Teranga Lions doubled their advantage six minutes after the restart when Sarr controlled a long pass from Moussa Niakhate before rifling past Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Belgium struggled to break down Senegal’s defence until coach Rudi Garcia introduced Romelu Lukaku at half-time, a substitution that transformed the game.
The veteran striker pulled one back in the 86th minute, cleverly diverting Thomas Meunier’s cross beyond goalkeeper Mory Diaw.
Three minutes later, Tielemans completed the comeback, heading into an empty net after Diaw failed to deal with a dangerous cross from Leandro Trossard to force the match into extra time.
With both sides unable to find a breakthrough for most of the additional period, the decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when play was halted for a VAR review over an earlier challenge by Lamine Camara on Tielemans inside the penalty area.
After a review lasting seven minutes, the referee pointed to the spot, ruling that Camara had fouled the Belgian captain.
Tielemans calmly converted the resulting penalty in the 125th minute, firing into the top corner to complete one of Belgium’s most remarkable World Cup comebacks.
The victory keeps Belgium’s hopes of World Cup success alive, with Lukaku playing a decisive role despite entering the tournament after an injury-hit campaign that limited his appearances.
For Senegal, the defeat ended a promising campaign in heartbreaking fashion after the West Africans appeared to have one foot in the Round of 16 before Belgium’s dramatic late revival.
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