Belgium defeats Senegal 3-2 in extra time to reach World Cup round of 16
Belgium came from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time, securing a penalty by Youri Tielemans in stoppage time of the second extra-time period.
Belgium overturned a 2-0 deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a World Cup round-of-32 match in Seattle. Goals from Romelu Lukaku in the 86th minute and Youri Tielemans in the 89th sent the game to extra time, where Tielemans converted a controversial penalty in the final moments to clinch the win.
Senegal had taken the lead early in the second half through a strike by Ismaïla Sarr, following an earlier goal by Habib Diarra after a header hit the post. The Lions of Teranga created several chances, including a free kick from distance in the closing seconds, but could not find an equaliser.
"We've been practicing the last few days," Tielemans said after the match, adding that he relied on confidence to convert the penalty.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw acknowledged that the team lost momentum after conceding the first goal, while Belgium manager Rudi Garcia praised the contribution of his substitutes and said Senegal "deserved to win" despite the result.
Belgium now advances to the round of 16, where they will face the winner of the United States-Bosnia and Herzegovina match later in Seattle.
