Belgium produced a memorable late surge to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter.
Key takeaways
- Belgium won the match 3-2, with the deciding moment coming in extra time.
- Senegal led twice, first during the opening period and again early in the second half.
- Romelu Lukaku struck in the 86th minute and Youri Tielemans followed in the 89th to level the scores at 2-2.
- A controversial penalty was awarded to Belgium late in extra time.
- Tielemans scored the spot-kick in the 120th minute to complete the comeback.
- Belgium’s next opponent in the Round of 16 will be either the USA or Bosnia.
Senegal’s lead and Belgium’s late turnaround
Senegal started strongly, taking the lead in the first half before extending their advantage to 2-0 in the second half.
Belgium looked set to fall behind as the game entered its closing stages, but they launched a dramatic fightback. With the match drifting toward defeat, Belgium scored twice within three minutes—Romelu Lukaku in the 86th minute and Youri Tielemans in the 89th—forcing the contest into extra time after regulation ended tied at 2-2.
Extra-time drama settles the tie
The match remained finely balanced through extra time, but it was eventually decided when Belgium were given a penalty in a contentious late moment.
Tielemans stepped up to convert in the 120th minute, completing the turnaround and securing a 3-2 victory for Belgium.
Ranked 10th in the world, Belgium will now progress to the Round of 16 to face either the USA or Bosnia.
Senegal’s elimination means they become the third African team to be eliminated in the Round of 32, following DR Congo and Ivory Coast.
