As Senegal sought to advance and eliminate Belgium in their FIFA World Cup round of 32 game on Wednesday in Seattle, two first-half goals gave them hope. But they lost the game 3-2 after letting a two-goal lead slip away.
Early in the game, Habib Diarra netted in the 24th minute to give Senegal the lead. Senegal was the superior team in the first half, demonstrating speed and ambition; Belgium battled to find their pace.
Belgium seemed to be driven by falling behind, since they grew more dangerous as the game went on. Ismaila Sarr scored powerfully in the 51st minute.
Moussa Niakhate delivered a fantastic pass over the Belgium defense. Sarr sprinted in, grabbed the ball with his chest, then launched a strong shot past Courtois. It was amazing.
Sarr so earns the distinction of being the first Senegalese player to record four goals in a World Cup game.
The Turnaround
Belgium appeared ready to be eliminated until Romelu Lukaku scored from a Thomas Meunier cross to give them optimism.
The Return!
Yuri Tielemans bravely headed Belgium back into contention. He scored to send the game into overtime, holding off two Senegal defenders and the goalkeeper, Mory Diaw.
Late Drama
Following a challenge on Tielemans by Camara, we searched for a potential penalty for Belgium. Youri Tielemans converted the penalty given to send Belgium into the last sixteen of the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Players Reactions
“I’ve had enough of these matches! (laughs) It was intense, but we gave it our all. We were trailing, but we showed character. In matches like this, that’s what it takes. This Senegal side is one of the best teams in the tournament. Technically, physically and tactically, it was really tough. But when we stepped up the intensity of our pressing, when we were there for the second ball, our team spirit shone through, and we won the match.
It’s victories like this that we need to bring this squad even closer together. [On his goal] I think it’s my dad up there helping me. [On the fact that he was originally supposed to take the penalty] As I’m still going through a tough time mentally, I preferred Youri to take it.” Romelu Lukaku, Belgium player via FIFA.COM
“We’re disappointed. We had a good first half, but it wasn’t enough. A match lasts 90 minutes, and we’re devastated. It’s very tough. I don’t know what to say. When you’re on the pitch, you have to give your all, and that’s not what we did. We’ve only got ourselves to blame.” Habib Diarra, Senegal via FIFA website.
