Youri Tielemans converted a penalty in the final minute of extra time as Belgium completed a remarkable comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash on Wednesday.
Belgium looked on the verge of elimination after falling 2-0 behind, but they scored twice in the closing minutes of normal time before Tielemans calmly slotted home the winning penalty in the 125th minute.
The spot-kick was awarded after a VAR review showed Senegal’s Lamine Camara had fouled Tielemans inside the penalty area as the ball flashed across goal. Tielemans sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to seal a dramatic victory.
Belgium will now face the United States in the Round of 16 after the Americans defeated Bosnia earlier on Wednesday.
Romelu Lukaku appeared ready to take the penalty before handing the ball to Belgium captain Tielemans.
“We spoke for a moment and Romelu told me to take it,” Tielemans said.
“I was ready. I’m very proud to captain this team. We all give everything for each other. As for analysing the match, I hope we can first enjoy a day off.”
The result was heartbreaking for Senegal, who were the better side for much of the match and also hit the woodwork twice.
They took the lead in the 25th minute after Sadio Mane’s header came back off the post. The rebound fell kindly to Habib Diarra, who finished from close range.
Belgium introduced Lukaku at half-time, but their situation became even worse six minutes into the second half.
A brilliant long pass from Moussa Niakhate found Ismaila Sarr, who controlled the ball superbly, held off two defenders and fired a powerful shot into the net to double Senegal’s lead.
Belgium struggled to create clear chances for most of the game before producing a stunning late comeback.
Lukaku pulled one back by turning in Thomas Meunier’s low cross at the near post. Just minutes later, Tielemans headed home Leandro Trossard’s delivery to level the score and force extra time.
Tielemans then completed the comeback from the penalty spot to send Belgium through.
