Late Drama: Tielemans’ controversial penalty sends Belgium past Senegal

Youri Tielemans scored a dramatic extra-time penalty deep into stoppage time to complete one of the great World Cup comebacks, as Belgium fought back from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 in a Round of 32 thriller in Seattle.

Senegal appeared to have booked their place in the last 16 for long periods, dominating a below-par Belgium side.

Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute, converting from close range after Ismaila Sarr’s header cannoned back off the post.

Sarr then doubled Senegal’s advantage in the 51st minute, superbly controlling a long ball from Moussa Niakhate on his chest before firing past Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

With just four minutes of normal time remaining, Senegal looked destined for a famous victory. But Belgium’s record scorer, substitute Romelu Lukaku, sparked an astonishing turnaround, steering home his side’s first shot on target in the 86th minute.

Two minutes later, Tielemans headed in from Leandro Trossard’s cross to level the score at 2-2 and force extra time.

The drama continued into the additional 30 minutes. With penalties looming, Dodi Lukebakio struck the crossbar in the build-up to a VAR review that spotted a foul by Lamine Camara on Tielemans inside the box.

After a lengthy pitchside check, the referee awarded a controversial penalty. Tielemans stepped up and coolly slotted home in the 125th minute — the latest winning goal in World Cup history — to send Belgium through.

The result means Rudi Garcia’s Belgium advance to the Round of 16, where they will face the United States.

For Senegal, it is a heartbreaking exit after they had appeared firmly in control for most of the contest, having navigated a tough group stage that included defeats to France and Norway before late-tournament momentum carried them into the knockouts.

The comeback marks one of the most dramatic in recent World Cup history, with Belgium overturning a two-goal deficit in the closing stages before prevailing on a contentious spot-kick with the very last kick of the game.