Belgium produced one of the World Cup’s most dramatic comebacks, rallying from two goals down to eliminate Senegal 3-2 after extra time. Youri Tielemans capped the night with a controversial late penalty, earning FIFA Man of the Match honors as Belgium booked their spot in the round of 16.

Senegal’s Dominant First Half Unravels Late

Senegal looked destined for the upset for long stretches. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute, rebounding home after Ismaila Sarr’s header struck the post. Sarr then doubled the advantage early in the second half, chesting down a long ball before finishing clinically past a stretched Belgian defense.

Belgium’s response arrived agonizingly late. Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku were withdrawn in the 56th minute, prompting doubts over Belgium’s approach. Nevertheless, substitute Romelu Lukaku sparked the turnaround, pulling one back in the 86th minute. Tielemans equalized just three minutes later, heading home from Leandro Trossard’s cross to force extra time.

Tielemans Seals It From the Spot

Extra time proved chaotic. Senegal appeared to run out of steam, while Belgium controlled possession without creating clear openings. Then, in the 120th minute, Lamine Camara challenged Tielemans inside the box. Officials waved play on initially, yet a lengthy VAR review, the longest of the tournament, eventually overturned that call.

Amid furious Senegalese protests, Tielemans stepped up in the 125th minute and buried the penalty, becoming the latest World Cup goal ever recorded. His composure under such pressure summed up an outstanding individual display. Belgium now await either the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the next round.

Follow further World Cup coverage at KCPredict. Full match details are available via Sky Sports.