Seattle (Sports Desk): Belgium secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 to qualify for the last 16 of the tournament.
Senegal dominated much of the match and took a strong 2-0 lead through impressive goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr, putting Belgium on the verge of elimination.
However, Belgium staged a remarkable comeback in the closing stages. Romelu Lukaku, who came on in the second half, scored in the 86th minute from a brilliant cross by Thomas Meunier to revive his team’s hopes.
Moments later, Leandro Trossard delivered a dangerous cross that was headed in by Youri Tielemans to level the score at 2-2, forcing the match into extra time.
In extra time, both sides pushed for a winner, but the decisive moment came in the 125th minute when Belgium were awarded a penalty after a VAR review. Senegal players strongly protested the decision following Lamine Camara’s challenge, but the call stood.
Tielemans calmly converted the penalty to complete Belgium’s dramatic 3-2 win.
With this victory, Belgium advanced to the FIFA World Cup last 16, where they will face the United States.