It was an improbable end to a fascinating match that broke the hearts of Senegal fans and players, and on the other hand, left Belgium players and fans gushing with pride and resolve. Youri Tielemans’ game-winning penalty kick in the 120th minute of stoppage time delivered the 3-2 win. The win sends Belgium into the Round of 16 against the winner of the United States-Bosnia-Herzegovina match.
BELGIUM STARTS ON THE FRONT FOOT
The first few minutes of the game saw Belgium on the front foot, using the high press to thwart Senegal’s attack. The African side was pinned in their own half and never really got their attack going. That changed in the 12th minute when Senegal used square-triangle passes to soften the Belgian defense and hit long passes over the flat-footed Red Devils. In the 14th minute, Ismail Jakobs sped down the left side and forced a save from Courtois, who spilled the ball to the onrushing Ismaila Sarr, who lunged for the ball, hit the post, and took another swipe while on the ground, which hit the post.
BREAK THROUGH
Senegal continued to press forward, denying Belgium space to attack and keeping them pinned. The strategy of playing wide paid off in the 24th minute when Sadio Mane crossed a ball from the left flank into the Belgium goal box. Ismailia Sarr headed the ball towards goal, and Thibaut Courtois was the man on the spot. Unfortunately, he made the initial save but spilled it right into the feet of Habid Diarra for the tap-in.
TACTICAL CHANGE
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia made a tactical change, moving Jeremy Doku from the left flank to the right flank. His speed, guile, and creativity reinvigorated the Belgian attack. As a result, Belgium had two solid changes in the closing minutes of the first half
After receiving a long pass, Kevin DeeBryune chested the ball and laid it off to Dooku, who was streaking on the right side. Doku shot the ball and forced a spectacular save from Senegal’s keeper Mory Diaw. Diaw came up big one more time. He made a leaping save on a De Cuyper shot from the right side.
SECOND HALF CHANGES
Garcia made one change to start the second half. Charles De Ketelaere made way for Romelu Lukaku which enhanced the attack, but did nothing to help a lethargic, heavy-footed defense.
Senegal doubled its lead in the 51st minute on an exquisite pass from Moussa Niakhate to Sarr, who split the Belgian defense after receiving the aerial pass. Sarr used his body to shield the onrushing defender, slid to his feet, and placed the ball past the oonrushingCourtois.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Tw Belgium’sum’s Golden Generation players made way for the new generation. In the 56th minute, Nicole Raskin came on for Bruyne, and Dodi Lukebakio replaced Doku for speed and pace.
STILL BELIEVING
The move brought life to the Belgian attack, which began attacking the flanks and pushing the Senegalese defense back. The Belgian offense lacked that final pass.
With time winding down, Garcia inserted Thomas Meunier for Maxim De Cuyper in the 78th minute. That final pass in the attacking third came in the 86th minute. A deflection saw the ball land in the path of Meunier, who slid the ball to a well-positioned Lukaku, who slid the ball from the inside slot.
EQUALIZER ON ITS WAY
The goal gave life to Belgium, which found the equalizer. Three minutes later, Tielemans’ pass into the box found Trossard, who took advantage of the poor judgment of Senegal’s goalkeeper Diaw. Diaw came to swat the cross and came up with nothing but air. Trossard calmly headed the ball into the empty net for the equalizer.
IMAGES BY FRANCINE SCOTT
EXTRA TIME
The match was tied, and extra time was needed to separate the two sides. The deadlock remained after the first half of stoppage time. The game looked headed to penalties until Belgium was awarded a penalty in the 120th minute.
GAME-CHANGING DECISION
A cross from Moreira deflected into Lukebakio, who was wide open and missed a sitter that hit the crossbar. On the same play, the Belgium players led to a penalty for a rash challenge by Senegal defender Camara on Tielemans. After waiving the requests, VAR intervened. Referee Martinez was instructed to take a closer look. After reviewing the play, Martinez awarded the penalty, which Tielemans buried into the right of the goal to his brace and Belgium’s ticket to the Round of 16
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