Belgium stun Senegal with two late goals and a 125th-minute penalty to reach World Cup last 16
Youri Tielemans scored an 89th-minute equaliser and then converted a penalty deep into extra time as Belgium overturned a 2-0 deficit to knock Senegal out of the World Cup in Seattle.
The comeback
Belgium booked a round-of-16 meeting with either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina after a 3-2 victory that looked deeply unlikely for 85 minutes. Senegal led through Habib Diarra's 25th-minute tap-in and a fierce Ismaila Sarr strike six minutes after the restart, and appeared in control until substitute Romelu Lukaku began the revival with an 86th-minute goal.
We never stopped believing. Romelu's goal changed the energy in the stadium completely.
Senegal's strong start
Senegal were the better side for long spells. Diarra converted from close range after a low cross created chaos in the Belgian box, and Sarr doubled the lead in the 51st minute by smashing the ball past Thibaut Courtois. At that point the Lions of Teranga, who had reached the knockouts as the last of the best third-placed teams after a 5-0 thrashing of Iraq, were on course for a famous upset.
Belgium's late rally
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia had already sent on Lukaku, the country's all-time record goalscorer, and the striker headed home in the 86th minute to give his side hope. Less than three minutes later captain Tielemans forced extra time with another close-range finish. The momentum had swung entirely.
- Habib Diarra gives Senegal a 1-0 lead
- Ismaila Sarr doubles Senegal's advantage
- Romelu Lukaku pulls one back for Belgium
- Youri Tielemans equalises for 2-2
- Tielemans converts a penalty to win it in extra time
Extra time and the winning penalty
Neither side could find a winner in the first period of extra time, but Belgium pressed relentlessly and were awarded a penalty in the 125th minute. Tielemans stepped up and buried the spot-kick, sending Belgium to a last-16 tie in Seattle on 6 July against the winner of the United States versus Bosnia and Herzegovina match played later that evening.
What's next for Belgium
Belgium had stuttered through Group G with draws against Egypt and Iran before thrashing New Zealand 5-1 on the final matchday. This dramatic victory, secured without an outright dominant performance, keeps alive the hopes of a 'Golden Generation' that has yet to claim a major trophy. Their next test comes against either the co-hosts or a Bosnian side that surprised observers by reaching the knockout rounds.
