Belgium vs Senegal: historic penalty seals dramatic win as the Red Devils pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in FIFA World Cup history on Wednesday. Trailing 2-0 with just minutes left in regulation, Belgium scored three late goals, including the latest goal ever in a World Cup match, to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and advance to the Round of 16.
Senegal dominated much of the contest. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute, and Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead early in the second half with a stunning goal, controlling Moussa Niakhate’s long pass before beating Thibaut Courtois. Senegal threatened to put the game away, but Courtois kept Belgium alive with crucial saves.
Belgium’s revival began in the 86th minute when substitute Romelu Lukaku pulled one back. Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans fired home the equalizer to force extra time. With a penalty shootout looming, Tielemans was brought down inside the box in the dying seconds of extra time. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, and Tielemans calmly converted in the fifth minute of stoppage time, scoring the latest goal in World Cup history.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw refused to criticize the penalty decision. I do not want to interpret the decision. We all have different interpretations, Thiaw said. He admitted his team could not handle Belgium’s late surge. The victory marks only the second time in 11 World Cups that a team trailing by two goals in a knockout match recovered to advance. Belgium’s remarkable fightback ensures their World Cup journey continues.