Belgium secured a place in the World Cup round of 16 with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal at Seattle Stadium on Wednesday. After trailing by two goals for most of the match, the European side managed to force extra time and eventually clinched the win through a controversial penalty deep into the final period of play, according to Al Jazeera and FIFA.
Senegal dominated much of the encounter and appeared to be cruising toward a comfortable win after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr gave them a 2-0 lead. However, Belgium mounted a late charge, with Romelu Lukaku finding the net in the 86th minute and Youri Tielemans equalizing just three minutes later. The late surge forced the game into an additional thirty minutes of extra time.
As the match approached a penalty shootout, the deciding moment arrived in the 125th minute. Following a video assistant referee review, referee Saïd Martínez awarded a spot kick to Belgium after contact between Senegal’s Lamine Camara and Youri Tielemans. Tielemans converted the penalty with composure, sealing a 3-2 triumph and ending Senegal`s World Cup run.
The penalty decision triggered immediate controversy, with several analysts and fans questioning the necessity of the VAR intervention. Critics argued that the contact was forced by the attacking player, fueling frustration among Senegalese supporters. Despite the debate, the result stands, and Belgium now turns its attention to the next round, where they are scheduled to face the United States.
