England came back to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the World Cup earlier Wednesday. Belgium took it one step further in the follow-up game.
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Belgium trailed Senegal 2-0 until the 86th minute, when its first goal sparked a thrilling comeback that settled deep into extra time.
Youri Tielemans’ penalty in the 125th minute sealed a 3-2 win for the Red Devils to punch their Round of 16 ticket, coming against the odds.
Senegal were the much better team in the first half and were rewarded with a rebound goal from young midfielder Habib Diarra in the 24th minute, who was quickest to react in the box.
Belgium had to score the next goal to stay alive, but its stale attack failed to threaten Senegal before halftime. Early in the second half, the Lions of Teranga made it 2-0.
An exquisite lobbed pass from defender Moussa Niakhate found forward Ismaila Sarr, operating as a striker in this game, in behind Belgium’s center-backs. Sarr controlled the ball well as it bounced in the box before drilling it home past star goalie Thibaut Courtois in the 51st minute.
Belgium looked defeated and head coach Rudi Garcia turned to some unconventional changes in hopes of swinging the tide.
Iconic midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and star winger Jeremy Doku both came off in just the 56th minute. Less proven talents in Nicolas Raskin and Dodi Lukebakio came in, so the risks of backfiring were immense.
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But the gambles eventually paid off with Romelu Lukaku’s 86th-minute goal. Lukaku came on at halftime for striker Charles De Ketelaere, who didn’t find much joy in the first half. The veteran Napoli striker showed off his box instincts by redirecting Thomas Meunier’s low cross past backup goalie Mory Diaw.
Then Diaw had his worst moment yet. In the 89th minute, winger Leandro Trossard swung in a pass from the right half-space into the penalty box, where captain Tielemans rose up to head home. Diaw came out of his line and attempted to punch the ball, but missed entirely.
Deep in extra time, a Belgium attack just before the 120th minute resulted in a penalty shout. Tielemans was adjudged to have been fouled by midfielder Lamine Camara, who entered in the 66th minute, as the cross came in.
After a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was awarded and Tielemans made no mistake to ensure a full shootout wouldn’t take place.
Belgium now advances to meet the winner of USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina set for Wednesday night. That game will be set for Monday, July 6.
How De Bruyne and Doku respond to their early substitutions will be key for the Red Devils’ ceiling, as they’ve largely looked lackluster across a full 90 minutes versus quality opponents.
Senegal entered the tournament in the group of death with France and Norway. The Lions of Teranga blew out Iraq to qualify as a third-place team, but bows out on an extremely disappointing note as they were one of Africa’s best chances at a dark horse run.
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