Belgium stages late comeback, defeats Senegal 3–2 on penalty in World Cup knockout
Belgium's men's football team overcame a 2–0 deficit in the final minutes of regular time and won on a Juri Tieleman penalty in extra time, advancing to the Round of 16.
In a dramatic World Cup knockout match on Wednesday in Seattle, Belgium rallied from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3–2 in extra time. The victory was sealed by a Juri Tieleman penalty in the fifth minute of added extra time.
Senegal took the lead early. In the 13th minute, Ismaila Sarr hit the post. Twelve minutes later, the ball again struck the woodwork, and Habib Diarra scored the rebound. Sarr doubled the lead in the 51st minute after a long pass from Moussa Niahaté.
Belgium fought back with five minutes left in regulation. Substitutes combined for the first goal: Thomas Meunier crossed from the right, and Romelu Lukaku slotted home. Three minutes later, Leandro Trossard's cross was headed in by Tieleman, making it 2–2 after a goalkeeping error.
In extra time, Dodi Lukebakio hit the crossbar in the 117th minute. VAR showed Lamine Camara had fouled Tieleman in the box, awarding a penalty. Tieleman converted confidently in the fifth minute of added extra time. In the final seconds, Senegal's Pape Matar Sarr shot over the bar.
This is the first World Cup with 48 teams, hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Belgium will face the USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16.
