Senegal looked destined for the Round of 16 until the final minutes turned into a nightmare, as Belgium stormed back from two goals down to snatch a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory in one of the World Cup’s most thrilling knockout encounters.
Senegal looked firmly in control for large stretches of the match and made their early dominance count in the 25th minute. A dangerous delivery into the box caused panic in the Belgian defence, with Ismaïla Sarr’s header striking the post before falling kindly for Habib Diarra, who reacted quickest to slot home the opener.
The African side carried that momentum into the second half and doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. Sarr produced a moment of brilliance in the 51st minute, bringing down a long ball with a composed chest control before finishing confidently past Thibaut Courtois to make it 2-0.
Belgium, however, refused to collapse. With time running out, Romelu Lukaku reignited their hopes with a powerful striker’s finish from a tight angle, muscling past his marker to pull one back.
Barely two minutes later, Belgium found their equaliser. Youri Tielemans rose highest in the area to head home, though the goal came amid heavy controversy after a collision with Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw during the move.
The match moved into extra time, where both sides showed signs of fatigue. Chances were limited, though Belgium came agonisingly close when Dodi Lukébakio struck the woodwork after a chaotic scramble in the box.
The decisive moment arrived deep into extra time when the video assistant referee advised the referee to review a challenge involving Lamine Camara and Tielemans. After consultation, a penalty was awarded to Belgium for the earlier contact in the box.
Senegal’s attempts to disrupt the moment—including a stoppage caused by an apparent injury near the penalty spot—did little to halt the momentum.
Tielemans stepped up under immense pressure and coolly dispatched the penalty into the top corner, completing a remarkable turnaround and sealing a 3-2 victory for Belgium in stoppage time.
Senegal pushed desperately for a final equaliser from a late free-kick, but the effort sailed over as the final whistle confirmed their exit from the competition.
With the victory, Belgium advance to the Round of 16, where they will face either co-hosts the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Senegal, meanwhile, bow out after seeing a two-goal lead slip away in a heartbreaking defeat despite an outstanding performance.
