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Abayomi Ademola
Belgium scored three late goals, including a controversial Youri Tielemans penalty in extra time, to complete a dramatic comeback over Senegal and book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Senegal looked set for a famous victory in Seattle after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr gave the African team a deserved 2-0 lead with just minutes remaining.
Diarra opened the scoring in the first half after Ismaila Sarr hit the post twice in a dominant Senegal display. The Sunderland midfielder reacted faster and finished from close range after another dangerous attack from Pape Thiaw’s team.
Senegal doubled their lead shortly after the break when Sarr burst on goal from a long pass from Moussa Niakhate before curling a superb shot past Thibaut Courtois.
Belgium, whose golden generation seemed headed for another painful World Cup exit, suddenly came alive in the closing stages. Romelu Lukaku headed in a Thomas Meunier cross in the 86th minute to spark a comeback before Tielemans headed in a Leandro Trossard cross three minutes later after goalkeeper Mory Diaw failed to control the delivery.
The momentum completely changed in extra time and Belgium was finally awarded a decisive penalty in the 125th minute after Lamine Camara’s challenge on Tielemans was reviewed by VAR for seven minutes. The Aston Villa midfielder calmly buried the penalty into the top corner to complete a remarkable comeback.
Lukaku, who battled injuries ahead of the tournament, was once again instrumental for Belgium, while Kevin De Bruyne’s frustration was visible after being substituted midway through the second half as Belgium struggled to stay alive.
For Senegal, the defeat was another heartbreaking moment on the international stage after a campaign in which they showed flashes of quality and intensity against one of Europe’s biggest footballing nations.
Belgium will now face the United States in the round of 16 as their World Cup campaign somehow survives.
