Belgium Stuns Senegal 3-2 After Dramatic Fightback

Belgium produced a stunning comeback from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time on Wednesday, completing the biggest fightback of the World Cup so far.

Senegal appeared on course for victory, leading 2-0 with just five minutes of normal time remaining. But late strikes from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans forced the Round of 32 clash into extra time.

Tielemans sealed the remarkable turnaround by converting a penalty in the 125th minute — the latest goal scored in World Cup history.

“Being part of this comeback is a proud moment because I scored the last two goals to give the team the win today,” Tielemans said. “I’m very proud to help the team and bring us over the line.”

The midfielder won the decisive penalty after being fouled in the closing moments of extra time. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot despite strong protests from Senegal’s players, with a penalty shootout only seconds away.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw declined to criticise the decision.

“I do not want to interpret the decision. We all have different interpretations when it comes to awarding a penalty,” he said.

The victory marked only the second time in the last 11 World Cups that a team has recovered from a deficit of two or more goals in a knockout match to advance. Belgium also achieved the feat in its dramatic 3-2 victory over Japan in the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup.

“Senegal deserved to win,” Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said. “But I am happy it was us.”

Several experienced members of Belgium’s 2018 squad, which finished third in Russia, played key roles in the comeback. Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, came off the bench to pull one back in the 86th minute before Tielemans equalised moments later.

“It is a cruel loss, as we were good in the game,” Thiaw said. “We had the advantage and were leading 2-0. But a football match is not only 85 minutes. Belgium came back, and we were unable to deal with that.”

Belgium has now reached the Round of 16 for the third time in the last four World Cups. The team advanced to the quarterfinals in 2014 and the semifinals in 2018 before exiting in the group stage in Qatar.

Belgium will next face the United States on Monday in Seattle.

Senegal looked set for a famous victory after Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the first half and Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead early in the second half.

Sarr’s goal, his fourth of the tournament, was one of the standout moments of the match. He controlled a long pass from Moussa Niakhaté with his chest before firing past Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Courtois, playing in his fourth World Cup, later made three crucial saves to keep Belgium alive.

Senegal defender Krépin Diatta admitted his side failed to protect its advantage.

“It shouldn’t have happened. You have to defend your box and be the boss of your box,” he said.

Lukaku praised Belgium’s resilience after the dramatic victory.

“This Senegal side is one of the best teams in the tournament,” he said. “Technically, physically and tactically, it was really tough. But when we increased our pressing intensity and won the second balls, our team spirit shone through.”

Senegal entered the tournament as Africa’s second-highest ranked team behind Morocco and had been considered one of the strongest sides in the competition.

“It’s the best African nation. It’s as simple as that,” Garcia said. “They showed their quality throughout the tournament. I would have preferred not to face them.”