Belgium 3-2 Senegal: Tielemans Penalty Wins It in Extra Time
Senegal led twice. Belgium needed extra time, a header from a substitute, and a stoppage-time penalty to survive.
Belgium beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32 at Lumen Field in Seattle on Thursday, with Youri Tielemans scoring the decisive penalty in the fifth minute of added time to send Belgium into the Round of 16.
Senegal Struck First, Twice
Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a close-range right-footed finish. Senegal doubled their lead just after the break through Ismaila Sarr, who curled a right-footed effort into the bottom right corner from the center of the box after a through ball from Moussa Niakhaté.
For long stretches, Senegal looked the stronger side, controlling the tempo and limiting Belgium's usual attacking threats through the middle of the pitch.
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Belgium's Comeback Begins
Romelu Lukaku pulled a goal back in the 86th minute, converting from close range after a cross from Thomas Meunier. Three minutes later, with the match deep into stoppage time, Tielemans leveled it at 2-2 with a header from the center of the box, assisted by Leandro Trossard.
The equalizer forced extra time, and neither side found a breakthrough for over 30 additional minutes of play.
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A Penalty in the Fifth Minute of Stoppage
With the match ticking into the fifth minute of extra-time stoppage, Belgium won a penalty. Tielemans stepped up and converted with a right-footed shot to the top right corner, completing his brace and sending Belgium through 3-2.
The match also saw two yellow cards, shown to Brandon Mechele for Belgium in the 64th minute and Lamine Camara for Senegal in the 67th, in an otherwise tightly contested and physical encounter.
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What Comes Next
Belgium advances to the Round of 16, extending their run in the tournament after a testing knockout opener against a Senegal side that pushed them to the brink. Senegal's tournament ends in the Round of 32 despite twice taking the lead.
TL;DR
- Belgium beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the World Cup Round of 32
- Senegal led twice through Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr
- Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scored late to force extra time
- Tielemans converted a penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage to win it
- Belgium advances to the Round of 16; Senegal is eliminated
