Belgium were dead on their feet. Two goals down with four minutes left, outplayed for long stretches, and staring at a World Cup exit that felt both deserved and inevitable. Then Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans ripped up the script. And in extra time, Tielemans delivered the final twist: a penalty awarded after a marathon VAR check, slammed home in the 125th minute, sealing a 3-2 win and a last‑16 date with USA.
This was chaos, drama, and a comeback built on pure nerve but without the overblown theatrics. Belgium survived because they finally woke up.
Senegal took control
Senegal’s start was sharp, organised, and full of intent. Habib Diarra struck first after 25 minutes, reacting quickest when Ismaila Sarr’s header cannoned off the post. It was a deserved lead: Senegal were winning duels, pressing Belgium’s midfield, and forcing mistakes.
Six minutes into the second half, Sarr doubled it. A long ball split Belgium’s defence, Sarr cushioned it on his chest and lashed home. Simple, direct, ruthless. Belgium were rattled.
Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku were hooked on 56 minutes. A bold call, and one that looked like it might end De Bruyne’s World Cup career with a whimper. Belgium had no rhythm, no spark, and no shots on target.
To put it simply, Senegal were cruising.
Belgium’s late ignition
Then came the jolt. Lukaku, on as a half‑time substitute, finally gave Belgium a foothold with their first shot on target, a neat finish with four minutes left. It felt like consolation. It wasn’t.
Two minutes and 39 seconds later, Tielemans met Leandro Trossard’s cross and headed Belgium level. Two shots on target, two goals, and suddenly Senegal were stunned.
Twenty minutes earlier, Lukaku and Tielemans had exchanged heated words at a hydration break. Now they were dragging Belgium into extra time together.
Extra time was cagey, legs heavy, minds tired. Dodi Lukebakio clipped the bar, but the real flashpoint came in the 117th minute. Tielemans went down under Lamine Camara’s challenge. Play continued. VAR intervened.
Seven minutes passed as officials dissected angles, contact, intent. Eventually, the referee was sent to the monitor. He took his time too. When he finally pointed to the spot, Senegal protested but stayed on the pitch, a contrast to their Africa Cup of Nations final walk‑off in January.
Tielemans waited. Tielemans stepped up. Tielemans scored, the latest goal in World Cup history at 124 minutes and 44 seconds. Belgium, somehow go through.
Senegal’s heartbreak
Senegal had controlled the game for 86 minutes. They had Belgium where they wanted them. They had the pace, the structure, the confidence. What they didn’t have was the finish line.
Belgium, flat for most of the night, found life in the dying moments. Lukaku’s impact was huge. Tielemans’ composure even bigger. Now they head to Seattle for a last‑16 clash with USA.
Senegal exit with frustration, Belgium advance with relief, and Tielemans leaves with a moment that will follow him forever.
Featured image via the Canary
By Faz Ali
