Youri Tielemans emerged as Belgium’s hero with a dramatic stoppage-time penalty in extra time, sealing a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal and sending the Red Devils into the World Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday.
Belgium looked destined for elimination after Senegal established a two-goal advantage through Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr.
However, a late resurgence turned the contest on its head as Romelu Lukaku sparked the fightback before Tielemans completed the turnaround.
Senegal struck first in the 25th minute when Diarra found the net to hand the African side the lead.
The midfielder, who had also scored in Senegal’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Iraq earlier in the tournament, continued his fine form on the biggest stage.
The match was briefly halted in the 32nd minute after three spectators invaded the pitch. Security personnel quickly intervened to remove the intruders, while Belgium defender Maxim De Cuyper held onto the ball as order was restored.
Senegal strengthened their grip on the tie when Sarr doubled the advantage, leaving Belgium facing a daunting task. The Teranga Lions appeared on course for a famous victory after frustrating their European opponents for much of the encounter.
Belgium finally found a breakthrough in the closing stages of normal time. Substitute Romelu Lukaku reduced the deficit in the 86th minute, injecting fresh belief into the Red Devils’ camp.
Just three minutes later, Tielemans struck the equaliser to force extra time and complete Belgium’s comeback from the brink.
With penalties looming, the decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time of extra time. Tielemans was brought down inside the area, and after a VAR review confirmed the foul, the referee pointed to the spot.
The midfielder kept his composure and converted the penalty to complete a stunning comeback victory.
Senegal had reached the knockout phase as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after surviving a difficult group that included France and Norway.
Belgium, meanwhile, topped their group with five points and have now gone a step further after failing to progress beyond the group stage at the previous World Cup in Qatar.
