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.

Source: bbc.com

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First Half Action Sees Senegal Take Lead

Senegal has taken a deserved lead against Belgium in their World Cup last 32 match in Seattle. The opening goal came from Habib Diarra, who was quick to react to a rebound after a flicked header from Ismaila Sarr hit the far post. The goal, scored in the 25th minute, highlighted Senegal’s proactive approach in the early stages of the game.

Prior to the goal, Senegal had shown attacking intent. In the 15th minute, Ismaila Sarr nearly opened the scoring after a cross from Ismail Jakobs was touched by Thibaut Courtois, leading to Sarr hitting the post. He then had another attempt on the rebound, which went into the side netting. Iliman Ndiaye also delivered a brilliant cross earlier in the match, though no teammate could connect with it.

Belgium, in contrast, appeared to struggle to find their rhythm in the initial phases. Despite some possession, they lacked incisiveness. Leandro Trossard had an early shot from the edge of the area that was held by Mory Diaw, and Charles De Ketelaere had an opportunity that was well challenged. Kevin De Bruyne also attempted a shot from 25 yards that went high.

The match saw a brief interruption around the 30-minute mark due to protesters on the pitch, though security quickly managed the situation. Senegal‘s lead was considered deserved, as they had been the more active team, with players like Ndiaye making an impact on the right flank.

Team Form and Line-Up Changes

Both Belgium and Senegal entered the round of 32 following strong performances in their final group-stage matches. Belgium secured a 5-1 victory over New Zealand, which propelled them to the top of Group G. Senegal, meanwhile, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after a 5-0 win against a ten-man Iraq side.

However, their paths to this stage were not without challenges. Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in their first match and had a goalless draw with Iran after Nathan Ngoy was sent off. Senegal experienced tough fixtures earlier in the tournament, losing 3-1 to France and 3-2 to Norway in Group I.

For this crucial knockout fixture, Belgium maintained the same starting line-up that defeated New Zealand. Senegal made three changes from their win against Iraq, with Pathe Ciss, Iliman Ndiaye, and Pape Gueye coming into the team, replacing Abdoulaye Seck, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Lamine Camara.

Senegal‘s attacking talent includes Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, and Ibrahim Mbaye, with Sarr having scored three goals in three group games. Sarr has been in strong form, with 17 goals in his last 30 appearances for club and country. Edouard Mendy, Senegal‘s first-choice goalkeeper, was a major doubt for the match due to a knee injury, leading to Mory Diaw deputizing in goal.

Tactical Approaches and Player Performances

The match is being played at Seattle Stadium, a venue that has hosted significant football events. Belgium‘s wide forwards, Doku and Trossard, are considered important to their team’s strategy. Doku attempted to create opportunities, while Trossard had an early shot on target.

Senegal‘s goal scorer, Habib Diarra, is noted as a Sunderland player, and his goal marked the eighth by a Sunderland player in this World Cup, a tally surpassed only by players from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. This highlights the impact of players from various clubs on the international stage.

Belgium‘s defense, featuring players like Castagne and Mechele, has been tested by Senegal‘s dynamic attack. Courtois made a save from a long-range effort by Idrissa Gueye and also had to stretch to touch Sarr‘s shot onto the post. The game’s intensity suggests a high-scoring contest, given both teams’ recent offensive performances and defensive vulnerabilities.

The match is part of the round of 32 of the World Cup 2026 and kicked off on Wednesday, July 1, at 9pm BST.

Source: theguardian.com

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Senegal’s decisive win

Senegal secured a significant 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in their final Group I match, enhancing their prospects for a place in the World Cup last 32. The win provided a much-needed boost to their goal difference, positioning them favourably among third-placed teams.

The scoring began early, with Habib Diarra finding the net in the fourth minute while both teams were still at full strength. However, the dynamics of the match shifted dramatically when Iraq’s Rebin Sulaka was dismissed in the 13th minute. Referee Anthony Taylor initially showed a yellow card after Sadio Mané was fouled, but after reviewing the incident on a video monitor, the decision was upgraded to a red card.

Despite the numerical advantage, Senegal found it challenging to capitalise immediately, enduring a frustrating remainder of the first half. The breakthrough came after the interval, with a flurry of goals that ultimately sealed their dominant win.

Second-half surge

The second half saw Senegal unleash an offensive onslaught. Ismaïla Sarr initiated the scoring spree in the 56th minute. Lamine Camara was instrumental, forcing an Iraq turnover in their own box, dribbling to the byline, and then delivering a low cross for the Crystal Palace forward to tap into an open goal.

Substitute Pape Gueye made an immediate impact after entering the game. Just before the hour mark, he received a pass from Sarr near the right corner of the box. He then dribbled to his left and unleashed a left-footed strike that curled past Jalal Hassan and into the top corner of the net.

Gueye continued his impressive performance, scoring his second goal in the 71st minute. He connected with Iliman Ndiaye’s bouncing pass, striking a thunderous half-volley that left Hassan with little time to react before it found the back of the net. Ndiaye himself concluded the scoring in the 82nd minute with a long-range effort, wrapping up Senegal’s 5-0 victory.

The comprehensive defeat meant the elimination of Iraq from their second World Cup, their first appearance since 1986. They had entered the match as underdogs, and the prospect of securing their first World Cup points became increasingly remote following the early red card.

Knockout stage implications

The victory means Senegal finished Group I with three points and a goal difference of +2. This places them in contention for one of the eight spots reserved for the best third-placed teams to advance to the knockout stages. Currently, Senegal holds the fifth-best record among third-placed sides based on their goal difference.

However, their qualification is not yet guaranteed, as four of the teams below them in the third-place rankings still have their final group matches to play. Senegal is already assured of finishing ahead of Scotland from Group C and South Korea from Group A.

Their progression will depend on the outcomes of matches in Group H, Group G, Group L, Group K, and Group J, all of which are scheduled to conclude over the next few days. A victory for Spain against Uruguay in Group H would move Senegal closer to qualification. Furthermore, a win for Egypt against Iran, coupled with anything less than a win for New Zealand against Belgium, would secure Senegal’s place in the next round.

This result marks a significant turnaround for the African side, who had faced a challenging period leading up to the World Cup. They had previously lost 3-1 to France, with Kylian Mbappe scoring two goals, and then 3-2 to Norway, where Erling Haaland also scored twice. The dominant win against Iraq, who had also suffered heavy losses to France and Norway, has revitalised Senegal’s World Cup campaign.

Source: theguardian.com

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