Tielemans’ extra-time penalty completes stunning Belgium comeback against Senegal

Belgium snatch dramatic victory from the brink, Belgium produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the World Cup, overturning a two-goal deficit before Youri Tielemans converted a dramatic late penalty in extra time to seal a thrilling victory over Senegal and book a place in the last 16, Sport360NG reports. 

Rudi Garcia’s side appeared destined for elimination as they trailed 2-0 with only minutes left in normal time, but an astonishing late revival transformed the contest and kept their tournament hopes alive. Belgium will now face either the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the next round.

Lukaku sparks late revival after Senegal dominance

Senegal had looked firmly in control for much of the encounter, with Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr finding the net to reward an impressive display that left the Belgians struggling to respond.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically after half-time substitute Romelu Lukaku reduced the deficit, cleverly flicking Thomas Meunier’s cross beyond goalkeeper Mory Diaw with just four minutes remaining.

The equaliser arrived moments later in the 89th minute when Leandro Trossard delivered a dangerous cross into the area that evaded Diaw, allowing Tielemans to head home and force the tie into extra time.

Earlier in the second half, emotions had boiled over within the Belgian camp as Tielemans and Trossard were involved in a heated exchange before the hydration break, with Lukaku stepping in to calm the situation.

VAR drama settles thrilling World Cup contest

The decisive moment came in the closing seconds of extra time after Belgium launched one final attack. Dodi Lukebakio’s effort clipped the crossbar before the referee, following a VAR review, pointed to the spot for Lamine Camara’s sliding challenge on Tielemans moments earlier.

Tielemans kept his composure under immense pressure, sending the penalty into the top corner in the 125th minute to complete Belgium’s extraordinary turnaround and end Senegal’s hopes in heartbreaking fashion.