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Belgium produced one of the most dramatic late turnarounds in World Cup history, coming from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and secure qualification for the last 16 on Wednesday.
Senegal looked in full control for large stretches of the contest and were on course for a landmark knockout victory since their 2002 debut. They struck first through Habib Diarra, who reacted quickest to a rebound after Ismaila Sarr’s header came back off the post. Sarr then doubled the lead early in the second half, finishing emphatically after controlling a long pass over Belgium’s defensive line.
The turning point came late when Romelu Lukaku reduced the deficit in the 86th minute, converting from close range after a Thomas Meunier cross. Three minutes later, Belgium were level when Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw failed to deal with a delivery into the box, allowing Youri Tielemans to head into an empty net.
Extra time brought further tension and tactical shifts, with Belgium withdrawing key figures, including Kevin De Bruyne, as they searched for control. Senegal, meanwhile, held firm but could not withstand the pressure indefinitely.
The decisive moment arrived in the 125th minute after Tielemans went down under a challenge from Lamine Camara. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, and Tielemans stepped up to convert calmly, completing the latest winning goal in World Cup history.
For Belgium’s so-called golden generation, the result preserves their tournament hopes and delays what could have been an abrupt exit, while Senegal are left to reflect on a collapse that unfolded in the final minutes of regulation and beyond.
