Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and book their place in the Round of 16.
Senegal looked firmly in control for much of the contest after taking the lead in the 24th minute through Diara H., whose well-taken finish gave the African side a deserved advantage before the break.
The Teranga Lions doubled their lead six minutes into the second half when Sarr I. found the back of the net in the 51st minute, leaving Belgium staring at a shock World Cup exit.
With time running out, Belgium mounted a remarkable late fightback. Romelu Lukaku ignited hopes of a comeback by pulling one back in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans struck just three minutes later to make it 2-2 and force the match into extra time.
READ ALSO:Â Mbappe Brace Inspires France To 3-1 World Cup Victory Over Senegal
Just as the game appeared destined for a penalty shootout, controversy unfolded deep into stoppage time. Belgium were awarded a penalty in the 120+5th minute after a disputed decision by the referee.
Tielemans kept his composure from the spot, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to complete Belgium’s incredible turnaround and seal a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The heartbreaking defeat brings Senegal’s World Cup campaign to an end, while Belgium advance to the Round of 16 after producing one of the tournament’s most memorable escapes.