Controversial late penalty sees Belgium edge past Senegal

Round of 32

Belgium 3-2 Senegal

Youri Tielemans scored a penalty late in extra time as Belgium produced a sensational comeback from two goals down to defeat Senegal in a dramatic last-32 World Cup tie.

The last-gasp victory helped them book a last-16 meeting with either the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Rudi Garcia’s men had looked to be heading out as they trailed an impressive Senegal by two goals with only four minutes remaining of normal time.

But half-time substitute Romelu Lukaku flicked in Thomas Meunier’s cross to give them a glimmer of hope.

And they made the most of the unexpected lifeline in the 89th minute as Leandro Trossard’s cross into the box was missed by goalkeeper Mory Diaw and skipper Tielemans headed in to level at 2-2 and force extra time.

The Belgian pair were earlier seen having a heated argument before the second-half hydration break, with Lukaku stepping in to separate them.

Their comeback stunned Senegal after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had given them a deserved 2-0 lead.

And having rescued themselves in normal time, Belgium snatched a controversial winner in the 125th minute.

After Dodi Lukebakio’s shot brushed the crossbar, they were awarded a penalty for Lamine Camara’s sliding challenge on Tielemans just before that chance following a video assistant referee (VAR) review that took seven minutes.

Up stepped Aston Villa midfielder Tielemans to calmly slot the spot-kick into the top corner and settle the outcome.

Belgium will remain in Seattle where they will face the United States in the last-16 tie on Tuesday, 7 July (01:00 BST).

For Senegal, though, their World Cup campaign is over.