Belgium produced one of the greatest comebacks in FIFA World Cup history, overturning a two-goal deficit in the closing minutes before defeating Senegal 3-2 after extra time to book their place in the last 16 in a match filled with drama, controversy and heartbreak.
With just four minutes of normal time remaining, Senegal looked destined for the knockout stage after first-half goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had given the African side a commanding 2-0 advantage over the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists.
However, Belgium staged an astonishing late revival.
Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku ignited the comeback in the 86th minute when he flicked home Thomas Meunier’s cross. Three minutes later, captain Youri Tielemans capitalised on a goalkeeping error to head in Leandro Trossard’s cross and force extra time.
The decisive moment came deep into the second period of extra time when referee awarded Belgium a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review for Lamine Camara’s challenge on Tielemans. After a lengthy review, Tielemans converted from the spot in the 125th minute to complete the comeback and send Belgium through.
The goal became the latest ever scored in World Cup history, while Belgium became the first team to avoid defeat after trailing by two goals as late as the closing minutes of regulation time.
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia praised his players’ resilience and the impact of his substitutes.
“In football, anything is always possible as long as you believe in it,” Garcia said after the match. “The strength of this squad also lies in the players who come off the bench.”
Lukaku’s introduction proved pivotal, changing the momentum of the contest after Senegal had dominated much of the match.
The dramatic conclusion was overshadowed by controversy surrounding the winning penalty. Several pundits questioned whether the challenge warranted a spot kick, while others criticised the lengthy VAR review before the referee reached his decision.
The defeat was another painful chapter for Senegal, who earlier this year were stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title following disciplinary sanctions after their final against Morocco.
Despite the disappointment, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw praised his players’ effort.
“We’re out—it hurts,” Thiaw said. “We gave everything, but unfortunately we weren’t able to hold on to our two-goal lead. We have to accept it. That’s football.”
The victory also highlighted the enduring influence of Belgium’s experienced core. Lukaku, Tielemans, Thomas Meunier and Thibaut Courtois all played decisive roles, demonstrating that the country’s remaining members of its celebrated “golden generation” still have the ability to shape major tournaments.
Belgium will now face co-hosts the United States in the Round of 16 as they continue their quest for World Cup glory, while Senegal leave the tournament reflecting on what appeared to be a certain victory that slipped away in extraordinary fashion.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
