Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois celebrates after the match as Belgium qualify for the Spherical of 16 stage of the World Cup. — Reuters
SEATTLE: Youri Tielemans scored the newest winner in World Cup historical past as Belgium mounted an unbelievable comeback from two objectives right down to beat Senegal 3-2 and qualify for the final 16 of the World Cup on Wednesday.
Senegal appeared on target for a primary win in a World Cup knockout match since their 2002 debut after taking a 2-0 lead by way of strikes from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr in Seattle.
Nevertheless, Belgium compelled additional time as Romelu Lukaku and Tielemans scored within the closing 5 minutes, earlier than the Aston Villa midfielder accomplished a exceptional turnaround by changing a penalty within the a hundred and twenty fifth minute.
Belgium undergo to a possible assembly with the US, who face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a while Wednesday, however it will likely be a bitterly painful tablet to swallow for Senegal.
A defeat would certainly have signalled the top of the highway for the final remnants of Belgium’s golden technology — Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and maybe Thibaut Courtois — however as an alternative they dwell to battle one other day.
After a 5-1 win over New Zealand that clinched high spot for Belgium in Group G, Rudi Garcia named an unchanged facet with Atalanta ahead Charles De Ketelaere main the assault and Lukaku on the bench.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw made three modifications to the facet that thrashed Iraq 5-0, which allowed them to squeak by way of because the final of the eight greatest third-place groups.
Pape Gueye began after scoring twice in its place in that match, whereas Pathe Ciss and Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye got here into the line-up.
Senegal almost went forward by way of the in-form Sarr, who hit the put up after Courtois inadvertently diverted a cross into the Crystal Palace ahead’s path.
The Lions of Teranga did take the lead, nonetheless, when Sarr’s header from Sadio Mane’s cross got here again off the identical put up, with Diarra reacting quickest to show the rebound residence.
Belgium’s greatest likelihood of the half fell to Maxim De Cuyper, whose curling effort from exterior the world drew an impressive full-stretch save from Mory Diaw.
Diaw was once more filling in for Edouard Mendy, who returned to Saudi Arabia for exams on a knee harm he suffered in Senegal’s second recreation of the match.
Belgian fightback
Belgium unsurprisingly turned to their all-time main scorer on the interval, with Lukaku having already confirmed his worth in its place in opposition to Egypt and New Zealand within the group section.
However Belgium fell additional behind six minutes into the second half when Sarr chested down Moussa Niakhate’s lengthy move over the defence earlier than firing an emphatic end past Courtois.
De Bruyne and Doku had been hauled off as Belgium gave the impression to be heading out, however Lukaku — restricted to barely an hour’s play with Napoli this season — grabbed his staff a lifeline within the 86th minute.
He swept residence from a Thomas Meunier cross and, simply three minutes later, Belgium had been stage. Diaw did not cope with Leandro Trossard’s supply into the field and Tielemans held off two defenders to nod into an empty web.
Belgium substitute Dodi Lukebakio clipped the crossbar late within the second interval of additional time because the match appeared destined for a penalty shootout.
However there was one closing twist when Tielemans went down underneath a problem from Lamine Camara, prompting referee Mentioned Martinez to award a penalty after a VAR overview.
Tielemans stepped up and dispatched with aplomb to cap a shocking fightback and break Senegalese hearts.
