Belgium World Cup Tielemans seals dramatic comeback win over Senegal

Belgium staged a remarkable comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and reach the last 16 of the World Cup on Wednesday.

Youri Tielemans scored the winning penalty in the 125th minute, the latest winner in World Cup history.

Senegal looked set to claim their first World Cup knockout victory since their 2002 debut.

Habib Diarra opened the scoring before Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead early in the second half.

Senegal created the better chances from the start.

Sarr struck the post after a deflected cross reached him inside the penalty area.

Soon afterwards, Diarra reacted quickest to score after Sarr’s header rebounded off the woodwork.

Belgium struggled to respond before the break.

Their best chance came when Maxim De Cuyper forced an excellent save from goalkeeper Mory Diaw.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia introduced Romelu Lukaku at half-time in search of a response.

However, Senegal extended their lead in the 51st minute.

Sarr controlled a long pass before beating goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a clinical finish.

Belgium finally found momentum late in the match.

Lukaku scored in the 86th minute after meeting a cross from Thomas Meunier.

Three minutes later, Tielemans headed home after Diaw failed to deal with a cross into the penalty area.

Belgium continued to press during extra time.

Substitute Dodi Lukebakio struck the crossbar as the match moved towards a penalty shootout.

However, the decisive moment arrived in the 125th minute.

Referee Said Martinez awarded Belgium a penalty after reviewing a challenge by Lamine Camara with VAR.

Tielemans calmly converted the spot-kick to complete Belgium’s stunning comeback.

The victory sends Belgium into the last 16, where they could face the United States if the Americans overcome Bosnia and Herzegovina.