In a truly dramatic turn of events, Belgium clinched their qualification for the World Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday, July 1st. The Red Devils secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Senegal, with the decisive goal coming from a penalty converted in the dying moments of extra time.
Senegal appeared to be on course for victory, holding a two-goal lead until the 85th minute, thanks to strikes from Habib Diarra (24th minute) and Ismaïla Sarr (51st minute). However, Belgium mounted an incredible late surge. Successive goals from Romelu Lukaku (86th minute) and Youri Tielemans (89th minute) forced the match into extra time.
The encounter had been anticipated as an unpredictable clash between two teams that had not yet fully impressed in the tournament, each having recorded two draws and one win in their previous fixtures.
The Senegalese side started with immense intensity, putting the Belgian defense under severe pressure. The imposing Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid and Red Devils goalkeeper, could only brush a cross from Ismail Jakobs, set up by Sadio Mané. Ismaïla Sarr’s subsequent header hit the post in the 13th minute. Habib Diarra finally broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. Following another relentless cross from Mané on the left flank, Sarr’s header once again struck the post, but the 22-year-old Diarra reacted quickest to slot home the rebound.
Belgium’s improbable turnaround
At halftime, Belgian coach Rudi Garcia, a Frenchman, made significant tactical adjustments, substituting Charles De Ketelaere, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jérémy Doku, and bringing on Romelu Lukaku. These changes did not yield immediate results, as Senegal extended their lead with another goal from Ismaïla Sarr.
The second-half cooling break proved to be aptly named, reflecting the palpable tension between Belgian captain Youri Tielemans and teammate Leandro Trossard. Yet, from this heated exchange emerged a powerful resurgence. Ismail Jakobs’ long-range shot narrowly missed Diaw’s top corner (77th minute). Then, Romelu Lukaku finally found the back of the net (86th minute), becoming Belgium’s leading World Cup scorer with six goals and reigniting hope for his entire team. Just three minutes later, Tielemans headed home to equalize for Belgium (89th minute).
The initial period of extra time was uneventful, but the final minutes exploded with action. Belgian Dodi Lukébakio saw his shot deflected onto the crossbar (117th minute). However, a penalty awarded after VAR review for an irregular tackle allowed captain Tielemans to convert from the spot, sending the Belgians into raptures and securing their progression.
“In football, anything is 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,” remarked Rudi Garcia after the match.
Belgium, semi-finalists in 2018 but eliminated in the group stage four years prior, will now face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16 on July 7th.
For the Senegalese players, participating in their fourth World Cup, their journey ends with profound regret following a match they had seemingly controlled. This disappointment may echo the controversial forfeiture of the last Africa Cup of Nations to Morocco. “We are eliminated, and it hurts. We must congratulate the team for giving their all, but unfortunately, we couldn’t manage our lead,” stated coach Pape Thiaw.
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