One minute, Senegal were cruising into the last 16 of the World Cup. The next, they were left wondering how another dream had slipped through their grasp. Manager Pape Thiaw’s side led 2018 semi-finalists Belgium 2-0 with only four minutes left of normal time, after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr. But after outplaying their opponents, they somehow “found a way to lose the game”, as ex-Republic of Ireland skipper Roy Keane put it on ITV.
Romelu Lukaku’s 86th-minute goal sparked hope for Belgium – the 33-year-old striker, who played only 69 minutes of club football this season, flicked home Thomas Meunier’s cross. “Senegal were better than Belgium for 70 minutes. Then Lukaku came on and changed the momentum,” said former England striker Dion Dublin. Three minutes later, captain Youri Tielemans headed in an equaliser from Leandro Trossard’s cross – the pair were earlier seen having a heated argument – to force extra time.
“Senegal led 2-0 with four minutes left but lost 3-2 to Belgium after Tielemans' record-latest penalty.”
Then came the controversial penalty. Referee Said Martinez, whose eye-catching orange top stuffed with shoulder pads drew mockery on social media – one fan joked he “should be given a red card” – awarded the spot after a video assistant referee review for Lamine Camara’s challenge on Tielemans. Senegal fans felt their team was robbed; many insisted Tielemans had pushed his marker before the equaliser, and doubted the foul that led to the winner. But the Honduras official’s decision stood, and Tielemans converted 125 minutes in – at 124 minutes 44 seconds, the latest goal in World Cup history.
“Football is just crazy. I couldn’t call any of this game,” said Dublin. Belgium manager Rudi Garcia added: “In football, anything is always possible as long as you believe in it. The strength of this squad also lies in the players who come off the bench, because you can’t get results with just 11 players.”
The defeat condemned Senegal to further agony, having already endured the pain of being stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year. The match was also temporarily halted by pitch invaders, adding to the chaos. For Belgium, a remarkable escape; for Senegal, another chapter of heartbreak.