SEATTLE (AP) — Belgium overturned a two-goal deficit and scored from the penalty spot late in overtime to beat Senegal 3-2 on Wednesday in the biggest comeback in history. world cup so far.
Senegal held a 2-0 lead with five minutes left in regulation time, but late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans sent the Round of 32 match into extra time.
Tielemans scored a penalty in the 125th minute, the latest goal in World Cup history, and completed Belgium’s comeback.
“I’m proud to have been part of this comeback, because today I scored the last two goals and gave the team the victory. I’m very proud that I was able to contribute to the team’s goal and get them over the line,” Tielemans said.
A penalty shootout was imminent after he was fouled with seconds remaining, but the referee, after a video review, ignored the Senegalese team’s protests and awarded the spot kick.
Senegal coach Pape Thiau said: “I don’t want to interpret this decision. Everyone has a different interpretation when it comes to awarding penalties.” “I have no intention of interpreting the referee’s decision and do not wish to comment.”
Belgium’s victory marked only the second time in the past 11 World Cups that a team came from behind by two or more points in the finals. Belgium achieved a similar result when they defeated Japan 3-2 in the round of 16 at the 2018 tournament.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said, “Senegal deserved the win.” “But I’m glad it’s us.”
Many of the key players from the Belgian team, which finished third in Russia in 2018, contributed to Wednesday’s victory. Lukaku, Belgium’s top scorer came off the bench with a goal in the 86th minute, allowing Tielemans to force extra time.
Thiau said, “It was a cruel loss because we did well in the match.” “We had the advantage. We were leading 2-0. But football matches don’t end in the 85th minute. Belgium fought back and we couldn’t deal with it…We have to congratulate Belgium on their progress.”
Belgium advanced to the last 16 for the third time in four tournaments. The team reached the quarterfinals in 2014 and the semifinals in 2018, but was eliminated in the group stage at the Qatar tournament four years ago.
Belgium will next face the United States in Seattle on Monday.
Senegal had long been thought to be aiming for a place in the last 16. Habib Diarra scored in the first half and Ismaila Sarr made it 2-0 at the start of the second half. It was his fourth goal of the World Cup and one of the most beautiful goals of the tournament. Sarr made a perfect first touch with his chest on a long ball from Moussa Niakate and fired his shot past Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Courtois, playing in his fourth World Cup, then made three important saves to prevent Senegal from increasing their lead.
Senegalese defender Crepin Diatta said Belgium should not have been allowed back into the game.
“That shouldn’t happen. You have to protect your box and be the boss of your box,” he said. “We have suffered, but we have to continue. It’s unfortunate.”
Lukaku said Belgium showed character with their late return.
“This Senegalese side is one of the best teams in the tournament,” he said. “It was really tough technically, physically and tactically. But when we increased the intensity of our pressing and when we aimed for the second ball, our team spirit shone through and we won the match.”
Senegal entered the World Cup as the second-ranked team in Africa after Morocco. won in a chaotic situation african cup of nations final In the game against Morocco on January 18, the result was overturned by African football’s governing body after Thiau temporarily removed his players from the pitch.
After losing to France and Norway and defeating Iraq, Senegal advanced to the World Cup finals as one of the top three.
“It’s the best country in Africa, it’s that simple,” Garcia said. “They showed that they were dominant in the first half against France. They came out of a difficult group and I wouldn’t have liked to play them.”
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