Belgium 3-2 Senegal (AET): Tielemans penalty at 125' seals one of World Cup's greatest comebacks
Belgium produced one of the greatest World Cup comebacks, overturning a 2-0 deficit to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time thanks to Lukaku and a Tielemans brace — including a VAR-awarded penalty at 125 minutes.
In one of the most extraordinary nights in World Cup history, Belgium came back from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time on July 1 in Seattle. Three goals in the final nine minutes of regulation and extra time — Lukaku (86'), Tielemans (89') and Tielemans again from the penalty spot at 125' — completed a comeback that seemed impossible for an hour of football.
Senegal in command: Diarra and Sarr put them 2-0 up
Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 24th minute and Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead just after half-time (51'). Senegal were dominant, disciplined and looked well on course for a famous victory. Belgium had barely threatened and looked devoid of ideas.
Lukaku ignites the fightback (86')
Substitute Romelu Lukaku changed everything the moment he stepped onto the pitch. His goal in the 86th minute brought Belgium back to 1-2 and reignited a stadium that had nearly given up hope.
Tielemans heads Belgium level (89')
Three minutes later, Youri Tielemans powered a header home to make it 2-2. Belgium had found two goals in three extraordinary minutes — and dragged the match into extra time against all odds.
Tielemans penalty seals the miracle (125')
Deep into extra time, VAR awarded Belgium a penalty. Tielemans stepped up and struck it home with ice-cold composure to give Belgium a 3-2 win — scored, according to commentators, later than any goal in World Cup history. A night that will never be forgotten.
