Late Drama and VAR Controversy
Belgium secured a dramatic victory against Senegal in the World Cup last 32, overcoming a two-goal deficit in the final minutes of normal time and ultimately winning with a controversial penalty deep into extra time. Senegal had been leading 2-0 with only four minutes remaining, thanks to goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr.
The comeback began in the 86th minute when Romelu Lukaku scored for Belgium. Just three minutes later, captain Youri Tielemans headed in an equaliser from Leandro Trossard’s cross, forcing the match into extra time. The decisive moment came in the 125th minute when a penalty was awarded to Belgium after a VAR review for a challenge by Lamine Camara on Tielemans. Tielemans converted the spot-kick, making it the latest goal scored in World Cup history at 124 minutes and 44 seconds.
The penalty decision sparked debate, with some questioning whether the challenge warranted the call and the extended time taken for the decision. Former England defender Gary Neville stated he did not believe it was a penalty, while Roy Keane described it as “a bit harsh.”
Belgium’s Historic Comeback
Belgium’s recovery from a two-goal deficit marked a historic moment in the World Cup. No other team has trailed by two or more goals in regulation time and gone on to avoid defeat at this stage of the tournament. Rudi Garcia’s side achieved this feat after Lukaku, who played limited club football last season, flicked home Thomas Meunier’s cross.
The equaliser came when Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw failed to handle Trossard’s cross, allowing Tielemans to head into an open net. This marked an unprecedented comeback. Garcia highlighted the belief within his team, stating that “in football, anything is always possible as long as you believe in it.” He also credited the impact of players coming off the bench, emphasizing that results cannot be achieved with just 11 players.
This is not the first time Belgium has achieved such a comeback; they previously stunned Japan in 2018, winning 3-2 after being down by two goals with 21 minutes remaining. Key players from that 2018 squad, including Thibaut Courtois, Kevin de Bruyne, Meunier, and Lukaku, were also part of this recent victory.
Senegal’s Frustration and Belgium’s Resilience
For Senegal, this exit brought a familiar sense of frustration, echoing their experience in the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier in the year. In that match, a stoppage-time penalty awarded after a VAR check led to head coach Pape Thiaw ushering his team off the field, a move that ultimately resulted in them being stripped of the title despite a 1-0 win.
Thiaw expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the cruel nature of the loss. He stated, “We must congratulate the team, who gave it their all, but unfortunately we weren’t able to hold on to our two-goal lead. We have to accept this. That’s football.” Despite the outcome, Thiaw refrained from criticising the officiating. Lamine Camara, whose challenge led to the decisive penalty, was visibly upset after the final whistle.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s “old guard,” including Courtois, De Bruyne, Meunier, Lukaku, and Axel Witsel, demonstrated their continued importance. Lukaku not only scored but also acted as a peacemaker during a heated exchange between teammates Tielemans and Trossard. Garcia praised the team’s grit, noting that he wanted more aggression from his players to secure results. Belgium is now set to face co-hosts United States in the last 16.
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Source: bbc.com
Dominic Hayes is the Sports News Writer at NewsGB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with five years of reporting experience. He started on a north-east sports desk. He holds a degree in Journalism from Teesside University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Middlesbrough, he follows pro golf and amateur boxing. “Fast and accurate is the only standard worth keeping.”
