Belgium complete dramatic comeback to beat Senegal after controversial late penalty
Belgium staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash at Seattle Stadium on Wednesday, with a controversial VAR-awarded penalty deciding the contest.
The Red Devils looked headed for elimination after Senegal established a commanding lead through Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr. However, late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans forced extra time before Tielemans converted an injury-time penalty to send Belgium into the Round of 16.
Senegal dominate early exchanges
Senegal began the match with confidence and nearly opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spilled Ismail Jakobs’ cross, allowing Ismaila Sarr a golden opportunity, but his effort struck the post before a second attempt found only the side netting.
The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute after sustained pressure from the Lions of Teranga. Sadio Mane’s cross was headed against the post by Sarr, but the rebound fell kindly to Habib Diarra, who calmly fired home from close range to give Senegal a deserved 1-0 lead.
Belgium responded with greater urgency before halftime but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw.
Sarr doubles Senegal’s advantage
Belgium introduced Romelu Lukaku at the start of the second half in place of Charles De Ketelaere, hoping to spark a comeback. Instead, Senegal strengthened their grip on the match six minutes after the restart.
Moussa Niakhate delivered a superb diagonal pass to Sarr, who controlled brilliantly with his chest before blasting past Courtois to make it 2-0. The goal was Sarr’s fourth of the tournament and appeared to put Senegal firmly in control.
Belgium struggled to respond for much of the second half. Their best chance came in the 78th minute when substitute Dodi Lukebakio cut inside and fired narrowly wide.
Belgium’s late revival
The momentum shifted dramatically in the closing minutes of normal time.
Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute, finishing Thomas Meunier’s cross to give Belgium renewed hope. Just three minutes later, Tielemans equalised by beating Diaw to Leandro Trossard’s cross and heading into an empty net, completing a stunning late comeback and forcing extra time.
VAR drama decides the tie
Extra time produced few clear opportunities during the opening 15 minutes. Senegal came closest in the 109th minute when Ibrahim Mbaye narrowly missed the target after being set up by Bara Ndiaye.
Belgium then struck the crossbar through Lukebakio in the 117th minute as both teams searched for a winner.
Moments later, VAR intervened after reviewing an earlier challenge involving Lamine Camara and Tielemans inside the penalty area. Referee Said Martinez spent several moments studying the replay before awarding Belgium a penalty, a decision that sparked controversy.
Tielemans kept his composure from the spot, calmly converting the decisive penalty to complete Belgium’s remarkable 3-2 victory and book their place in the World Cup Round of 16.
For Senegal, the heartbreaking defeat ended a campaign that had promised so much after they controlled large portions of the match, only to see their World Cup dreams dashed by a dramatic late turnaround and a contentious refereeing decision
