Belgium overturns 2-0 deficit to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra-time World Cup thriller
Two goals in three minutes forced extra time, then Youri Tielemans converted a penalty in added time to send Belgium through to the quarter-finals at the expense of Senegal in Seattle.
Senegal in control
Senegal dominated the opening hour at Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, with 66,925 fans watching. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 24th minute, and Ismaila Sarr, the Crystal Palace forward, made it 2-0 early in the second half. Before that, Sarr had already hit the post from close range and then, on the ground, saw his follow-up roll against the outside netting. Belgium’s display was disjointed; Rudi Garcia’s side looked short of ideas and on the verge of a meek exit.
Three-minute collapse
With Senegal leading 2-0 and the clock showing 86 minutes, Romelu Lukaku pulled one back with a close-range finish. Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans levelled when goalkeeper Diaw fumbled a routine ball, allowing a simple tap-in. The equaliser capped a shocking collapse for Pape Thiaw’s team, who had seemed certain to progress.
VAR penalty decides it
Extra time was tense. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Tielemans went down under a challenge from Camara. Referee Martinez consulted the video assistant for a lengthy review before awarding a penalty. The match officials later described the incident: "The number 8 of Senegal kicks the foot of the number 8 of Belgium." Tielemans remained composed and scored from the spot, securing a 3-2 win and a place in the last eight.
Off-pitch chaos
Several unscripted moments punctuated the evening. During a first-half hydration break, an automatic sprinkler doused coach Garcia as he addressed his players, leaving him soaked. A pitch invader briefly interrupted play, though cameras cut away per protocol. In the second half, with Belgium trailing, Leandro Trossard and Tielemans exchanged fierce words, almost coming to blows before Lukaku stepped in to separate them.
What lies ahead
Senegal, six months after losing the Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco by a administrative ruling, suffers another painful exit. Belgium, who will face the winner of the United States–Bosnia and Herzegovina tie, moves on to the quarter-finals.
