Belgium’s dramatic turnaround
Belgium secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Senegal in extra time during their World Cup last 32 clash in Seattle. The European side rallied from a two-goal deficit, with Youri Tielemans converting a penalty in the 125th minute to complete the comeback. This win keeps their tournament aspirations alive after a match that saw them trailing for much of the regulation 90 minutes.
Senegal had established a commanding 2-0 lead, appearing to be on course for the next round. However, Belgium found two late goals in the final four minutes of regular time through Romelu Lukaku and Tielemans, forcing the match into extra time. The outcome was particularly harsh on Senegal, who had largely controlled the game and hit the woodwork twice.
The match saw Senegal take the lead in the 25th minute. After Sadio Mane’s cross was headed towards goal by Ismaila Sarr, the effort struck the post. Habib Diarra was quick to react, side-footing the loose ball home from seven yards. Earlier, Sarr had also hit the post after Thibaut Courtois parried a cross from Ismail Jakobs.
Belgium struggled to create significant chances in the first half. Their closest attempt came from Maxim De Cuyper, whose shot forced a strong save from Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw. At halftime, Belgium manager Rudi Garcia introduced Romelu Lukaku in place of Charles De Ketelaere, but this change did not immediately alter the flow of the game.
Senegal’s early dominance and Belgium’s late surge
Shortly after the break, Senegal extended their lead. In the 51st minute, Moussa Niakhate delivered a long pass that Ismaila Sarr controlled expertly on his chest. Sarr then held off two defenders before powerfully striking the ball into the net, doubling Senegal’s advantage. This put Belgium in a precarious position, needing two goals to avoid elimination.
Despite being 2-0 down, Belgium found a way back into the contest in the closing stages of regular time. With just four minutes left, Romelu Lukaku scored from close range, turning in Thomas Meunier’s low cross at the near post. This goal provided a crucial lifeline for Belgium and injected renewed energy into their play.
Just three minutes later, Belgium completed their initial comeback. Leandro Trossard delivered a ball into the box from deep, which Youri Tielemans headed into the net. This equaliser, which saw Diaw unable to deal with the cross, dramatically shifted the momentum of the match and forced extra time. Tielemans and Trossard, who had reportedly been involved in a heated exchange earlier, celebrated the goal together.
Both teams had opportunities in extra time. However, the decisive moment came in stoppage time of extra time when Belgium was awarded a penalty. The spot kick was given after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Youri Tielemans by Lamine Camara. Tielemans stepped up and converted the penalty, sending Diaw the wrong way and securing the victory for Belgium.
Implications for both teams
The defeat was a bitter pill for Senegal, who had shown strong form and control for much of the game. They became the fourth African side to exit the tournament in the last 32 with a narrow loss, following South Africa, Ivory Coast, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The team will likely reflect on how they let a two-goal lead slip away in the final minutes of regulation.
For Belgium, this remarkable comeback means they advance to the next round. They are now set to face the winner of the last-32 match between co-hosts United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina. That subsequent match will also take place in Seattle on Monday, July 6, 2026.
The victory highlights Belgium’s resilience, especially after a performance that was described as dire for significant periods. Key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku were substituted by Garcia, indicating the team’s struggles before their late surge. Ultimately, Tielemans’ penalty in the 125th minute sealed the dramatic win.
The match was played in Seattle early on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
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Source: thehindu.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
