World Cup – Belgium Complete Extra-Time Escape Against Senegal
World Cup – Belgium produced a late turnaround to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in Seattle, with head coach Rudi Garcia saying the result could become a major turning point in the team’s World Cup campaign. The Red Devils recovered from a two-goal deficit late in normal time before captain Youri Tielemans scored a 125th-minute penalty to send them into the round of 16.
Garcia sees victory as a possible turning point
Garcia said the contest showed his players what can be achieved when they continue fighting until the final whistle. Belgium had appeared close to elimination after Senegal built a deserved lead and controlled long periods of the Round of 32 match.
Speaking after the game, Garcia said football can change quickly, especially when a team finds a way back into the contest. He explained that he had urged Belgium to score the next goal during a hydration break, believing it could alter the momentum. Once Belgium reduced the gap, the match opened up and Senegal faced increasing pressure.
The Belgian coach said the experience could bring the squad closer together and strengthen its belief for the rest of the tournament. He also compared the recovery to a famous European comeback, describing it as Belgium’s own version of a remontada.
Senegal take control through Diarra and Sarr
Senegal started strongly after an early Belgian effort from Leandro Trossard. Ismaila Sarr struck the post before Habib Diarra reacted first to turn in the loose ball following a cross from Sadio Mane.
The African side increased its advantage soon after half-time. Sarr ran onto a long pass, used his strength to keep his defender behind him and finished calmly past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
It was Sarr’s fourth goal of the tournament, matching Roger Milla’s record for the most goals scored by an African player at a single FIFA World Cup. Senegal looked well placed to protect their lead as Belgium struggled to create sustained attacking pressure.
Late Belgian goals force extra time
Belgium’s response began in the closing stages. Substitute Thomas Meunier delivered a cross from the right, and Romelu Lukaku finished at the near post to give Belgium renewed hope.
Soon afterwards, Trossard supplied another important delivery. Tielemans rose above the defence and headed the ball into the net, bringing Belgium level after they had trailed 2-0. The two goals changed the mood inside the stadium and took the match into extra time.
Both teams continued to search for a winner in the additional 30 minutes. Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye came close to restoring his side’s lead, while Belgium’s Dodi Lukebakio struck the crossbar.
Tielemans converts decisive late penalty
As the match moved towards a penalty shootout, Belgium were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR review. Lamine Camara was judged to have fouled Tielemans inside the penalty area.
Tielemans took responsibility for the penalty and converted in the 125th minute, completing Belgium’s dramatic recovery. The victory also extended Belgium’s unbeaten run to 17 matches.
Garcia said the current group should be judged on its own achievements rather than compared constantly with Belgium’s previous golden generation. He said he had believed in the quality of the squad since taking charge 18 months ago, and felt the players had shown their character in Seattle.
Belgium will next meet the winner of the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina match, with a place in the World Cup quarter-finals at stake. Senegal, meanwhile, leave the tournament after losing a match they had led for most of the evening.