Senegal stayed on the pitch this time. Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, there was no walk-off when Belgium were awarded a late penalty. This time, the spot kick stood, and it sent Senegal out of the World Cup.
Belgium came from two goals down to beat Senegal 3 to 2 after extra time in their World Cup Round of 32 match in Seattle.
Senegal looked set for the last 16 after Habib Diarra scored in the 25th minute from a rebound after Ismaïla Sarr hit the post.
Sarr doubled the lead early in the second half with a well-taken finish.
Belgium started their comeback late in the game. Romelu Lukaku, who came on at halftime, scored in the 86th minute from Thomas Meunier’s low cross.
Three minutes later, Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw failed to deal with a high ball and Youri Tielemans headed in the equaliser.
The winning goal came after a long VAR review.
In the 117th minute, Diego Moreira crossed into the box and Tielemans was kicked from behind by substitute Lamine Camara. Play continued and Dodi Lukébakio hit the crossbar before VAR told referee Saíd Martínez to review the challenge.
Martínez watched the replay and pointed to the penalty spot in the 122nd minute. After several minutes of protests, Tielemans scored in the 125th minute to complete Belgium’s comeback.
Belgium had 52% possession and 16 shots, while Senegal had 48% possession and 13 shots. Both teams had five shots on target. Senegal created better chances with an expected goals figure of 3.52 compared with Belgium’s 1.80.
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia changed the game with his substitutions. Lukaku replaced Charles De Ketelaere at halftime, while Meunier, Dodi Lukébakio and Nico Raskin also made important contributions from the bench.
The ending brought back memories of Senegal’s AFCON final against Morocco.
In that match, Morocco were awarded a VAR-reviewed penalty in stoppage time after Brahim Díaz went down in the box. Senegal’s players left the pitch in protest before returning. Díaz tried a Panenka penalty, but Édouard Mendy saved it. Senegal then won 1 to 0 after extra time through Pape Gueye.
Against Belgium, Senegal again faced a late VAR penalty. This time there was no walk off, no missed penalty and no happy ending. Tielemans sent Diaw the wrong way and Pape Thiaw back home.
The two matches later took different paths off the pitch. Senegal won the AFCON final on the field, but CAF later overturned the result after Morocco’s appeal and awarded Morocco a 3 to 0 victory by default after Senegal players left the pitch.
