Senegal experienced a dramatic exit from the World Cup last 32 after a late comeback by Belgium, which included a controversial penalty decision. The match saw Senegal leading Belgium 2-0 with only four minutes remaining in regular time, following goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr. However, Belgium managed to equalize and then secure a win in extra time, marking a significant turnaround.
The late stages of the game were filled with intensity. Romelu Lukaku’s goal in the 86th minute initiated Belgium’s comeback. Just three minutes later, captain Youri Tielemans headed in an equalizer from Leandro Trossard’s cross, pushing the match into extra time. The tension between Tielemans and Trossard was evident earlier in the game, as they were observed in a heated discussion.
Controversial Decisive Moment
The decisive moment arrived in extra time with a controversial penalty. A challenge by Lamine Camara on Tielemans led to a video assistant referee (VAR) review, which ultimately resulted in a penalty being awarded. Tielemans then converted the penalty, scored at 124 minutes and 44 seconds, securing Belgium’s victory. This goal is noted as the latest ever scored in World Cup history.
The penalty decision drew criticism, with former England defender Gary Neville stating his disbelief that it was a penalty. Roy Keane also commented on the harshness of the penalty and the extended time the referee took to review the incident. For Senegal, this outcome brought back memories of a previous controversial VAR decision in the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier in the year, where they were ultimately stripped of their title.
Senegal manager Pape Thiaw expressed his disappointment, acknowledging his team’s effort but lamenting their inability to maintain the two-goal lead. He stated that the team must accept the outcome as part of football.
Belgium’s Resilient Performance
Belgium’s comeback is considered one of the greatest in World Cup history, as no other team has recovered from such a desperate position. Coach Rudi Garcia highlighted the belief within his squad and the importance of players coming off the bench, noting that results cannot be achieved with just 11 players. Lukaku, who played a limited amount of club football in the previous season, came on as a substitute and was instrumental in changing the game’s momentum.
This is not the first time Belgium has achieved such a feat, having previously stunned Japan in 2018 by overcoming a two-goal deficit. Key players from that 2018 squad, including Thibaut Courtois, Kevin de Bruyne, Thomas Meunier, and Lukaku, were also part of this recent victory. Germany is another team that has achieved this rare comeback in World Cup history, against Hungary in 1954 and England in 1970.
Despite some internal team friction, notably between Tielemans and Trossard, Belgium’s experienced players demonstrated their quality and resilience. Lukaku not only contributed to the scoring but also acted as a peacemaker during an argument between his teammates. Meunier provided the assist for Lukaku’s goal, and Courtois remained a key figure in goal. De Bruyne was substituted in the 58th minute, but his creative input remains valuable as Belgium prepares for their next match against co-hosts United States in the last 16.
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Source: bbc.com
