In a truly last-minute turn of events, Belgium secured their place in the World Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday, July 1st. The Red Devils triumphed over Senegal with a 3-2 victory, sealed by a penalty converted in the dying moments of extra time.
The match saw Senegal holding a commanding two-goal lead until the 85th minute, thanks to goals from Habib Diarra (24th minute) and Ismaïla Sarr (51st minute). However, Belgium mounted an astonishing late resurgence. Successive strikes by Romelu Lukaku (86th minute) and Youri Tielemans (89th minute) dramatically pulled the Red Devils level, forcing the game into extra time.
The encounter had been anticipated as an unpredictable affair, with both teams having shown inconsistent form, each recording two draws and one victory in their previous matches.
Senegal initiated the game with fierce intensity, relentlessly challenging the Belgian defense. The formidable Thibaut Courtois, Belgium’s goalkeeper and Real Madrid star (standing at 1m99), could only get a fingertip to a cross from Ismail Jakobs, set up by Sadio Mané. Ismaïla Sarr lunged for the ball, only to see it strike the post (13th minute). Habib Diarra ultimately broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. Following another incisive cross from Mané, who was a constant threat on the left flank, Sarr’s header once again hit the post, but the 22-year-old Diarra was quickest to react, slotting home the rebound.
Belgium’s incredible second-half turnaround
At halftime, French coach Rudi Garcia, at the helm of the Belgian squad, implemented significant tactical adjustments. Charles De Ketelaere, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jérémy Doku were withdrawn, making way for the impactful Romelu Lukaku. These changes didn’t yield immediate results, as Senegal extended their lead with Ismaïla Sarr’s second goal.
The second-half cooling break proved aptly named, given the visible tension between Belgian captain Youri Tielemans and teammate Leandro Trossard. Yet, this internal friction seemed to spark a collective rebellion. An audacious long-range strike from Ismail Jakobs narrowly missed Diaw’s top corner (77th minute). Then, Romelu Lukaku finally found the back of the net (86th minute). Belgium’s all-time leading World Cup scorer, with six goals, reignited hope for his team. Just three minutes later, Tielemans headed in the equalizer (89th minute), bringing Belgium level.
Extra time, initially subdued, exploded into action in its final moments. Belgian substitute Dodi Lukébakio saw his powerful shot deflect off the crossbar (117th minute). However, a penalty awarded after VAR intervention for an irregular tackle provided captain Tielemans with the opportunity to secure victory for Belgium, which he calmly converted.
“In football, anything is always possible as long as you believe. The strength of this group also comes from those who come off the bench, because you can’t achieve results with just eleven players,” commented Rudi Garcia after the match, speaking to FIFA.
Belgium, who reached the semi-finals in 2018 but were surprisingly eliminated in the group stage four years ago, will now advance to the Round of 16 on July 7th, where they will face either the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina.
For the Senegalese players, this marks their fourth appearance in the World Cup, ending with a match that will undoubtedly leave them with profound regrets. Their disappointment may be comparable to the loss of the last Africa Cup of Nations to Morocco via an administrative decision. “We are eliminated, and it hurts. We must congratulate the team who gave their all, but unfortunately, we couldn’t manage our lead,” stated coach Pape Thiaw.
