Senegal's heartbreaking exit as Belgium stage stunning late escape

Senegal were minutes away from reaching the last 16, but Belgium produced a dramatic turnaround to win 3-2 after extra time. The match swung on a late Romelu Lukaku goal, a quick equaliser from Youri Tielemans and then a controversial penalty that settled one of the wildest games of the tournament.

For most of the night, Senegal looked in control. Pape Thiaw’s team went 2-0 up through Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr and outplayed Belgium for long spells. But Belgium’s old guard found a way back, with Lukaku scoring in the 86th minute before Tielemans headed in the equaliser three minutes later.

That set up a tense finish and eventually extra time, where Belgium were awarded a penalty after a VAR review of Lamine Camara’s challenge on Tielemans. Tielemans converted it in the 125th minute, the latest goal ever scored in a World Cup match, and Senegal were left to wonder how victory had slipped away.

The result was historically remarkable for Belgium. No team had ever come from two goals down so late and avoided defeat at a World Cup. It was also a reminder that their experienced core still has fight in it, with Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Meunier and Axel Witsel again central to the performance.

There was also plenty of controversy. Gary Neville said he did not believe the penalty should have been given, while Roy Keane criticised the time taken for the decision and said the referee lacked conviction. For Senegal, the moment may have felt painfully familiar after the VAR-led penalty controversy that cost them in the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year.

Thiaw admitted the result hurt and praised his players for their effort, but the disappointment was obvious. Senegal had done so much right for so long, only to lose control in the closing stages and then be undone by a decision they will feel was harsh.

Belgium now move on to face the United States, while Senegal’s exit will be remembered as one of the most painful of the tournament. It had drama, controversy and history — but for Senegal, almost none of it was good news.