Belgium completed one of the most dramatic comebacks in FIFA World Cup history by recovering from a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and secure a place in the Round of 16 on Wednesday. Romelu Lukaku sparked the comeback before Youri Tielemans scored twice, including a record-breaking winner deep into stoppage time of extra time.
Belgium stage incredible comeback to reach last 16
Belgium looked set for a shock World Cup exit after trailing by two goals for most of the match. However, the Red Devils produced an extraordinary late fightback to snatch victory from Senegal in one of the tournament's greatest knockout matches.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku started the comeback before Youri Tielemans scored the equaliser and later converted a dramatic penalty to send Belgium into the Round of 16.
Historic turnaround for the Red Devils
Belgium's victory entered the World Cup record books. It became only the second time in the last 11 FIFA World Cups that a team trailing by two or more goals in a knockout match recovered to qualify for the next round.
Interestingly, Belgium also completed the previous comeback when they recovered from 2-0 down to defeat Japan 3-2 in the Round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Senegal dominate the opening stages
Senegal controlled the game for long periods and deservedly built a two-goal advantage. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute, giving the African side an early reward for their attacking play.
The lead doubled six minutes after halftime when Ismaila Sarr produced one of the finest goals of the tournament. Sarr brilliantly controlled Moussa Niakhaté's long pass with his first touch before calmly finishing past veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to make it 2-0.
Courtois keeps Belgium alive
Belgium could easily have fallen further behind. However, Thibaut Courtois produced several important saves to deny Senegal and keep his team in the contest.
His interventions proved crucial as Belgium remained within touching distance before launching their remarkable comeback.
Lukaku sparks Belgium's revival
Belgium finally found hope in the closing stages. Romelu Lukaku, who had come off the bench, reduced the deficit in the 86th minute with a clinical finish.
The goal immediately shifted the momentum and gave Belgium renewed belief. Only three minutes later, Youri Tielemans completed the comeback by firing home the equaliser in the 89th minute, forcing the match into extra time.
Tielemans scores historic winner
The drama continued throughout extra time as both teams searched for the winning goal. With a penalty shootout only moments away, Tielemans was brought down inside the penalty area in the closing seconds of extra time.
After reviewing the incident, the referee awarded Belgium a penalty following a VAR check. Tielemans remained calm under enormous pressure and converted the spot-kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time in extra time. The goal became the latest goal ever scored in FIFA World Cup history, completing one of the greatest comebacks the tournament has ever witnessed.
Senegal left heartbroken
Senegal's players were devastated after seeing victory slip away. Many surrounded the referee following the penalty decision, believing the challenge did not deserve a spot-kick. Defender Pathé Ciss even lay on the penalty spot in protest before eventually moving away so the penalty could be taken.
Despite the disappointment, head coach Pape Thiaw chose not to criticise the officials. He said, "I do not want to interpret the decision. We all have different interpretations when it comes to awarding a penalty. I'd rather not comment, not interpreting the referee's decision."
Thiaw admits Belgium seized their chance
After the match, Thiaw reflected on his team's painful defeat. He acknowledged that Belgium took advantage of their opportunities in the closing stages.
He said, "It is a cruel loss, as we were good in the game. We had the advantage. We were leading 2-0. However a football match is not an 85-minute one. Belgium came back, and we were not able to deal with that ... We must congratulate Belgium as they progress."
The Senegal coach also explained why his players reacted strongly after the VAR review. He added, "Well, when the penalty was awarded, we had our own interpretation. We believed that there was no penalty. The players tried to challenge the decision. It's their right. And, then the penalty was taken. And, this is why we were eliminated."
Belgium keep World Cup dream alive
Belgium's dramatic comeback will be remembered as one of the greatest escapes in World Cup history. Just minutes from elimination, the Red Devils showed remarkable character and resilience to score three late goals and secure an unforgettable victory.
Their dramatic success keeps their World Cup campaign alive, while Senegal leave the tournament wondering how a commanding two-goal lead slipped away in such heartbreaking fashion.