Belgium dragged themselves back from the edge of elimination and forced extra time after a frantic late fightback turned a losing position into a 2-2 scoreline against Senegal in their World Cup Round of 32 tie in Seattle.
Senegal controlled long periods and looked on course for a place in the last 16 after Habib Diarra gave them a first-half lead before Ismaila Sarr stretched the advantage early in the second half.
Thiaw’s side played with more speed and purpose for much of the contest. Senegal attacked Belgium’s back line directly and repeatedly exposed gaps through quick runs and simple forward passing. Their second goal summed up that approach. Moussa Niakhate launched a long pass from deep, Sarr controlled brilliantly with his chest and finished past Thibaut Courtois.
Belgium struggled for rhythm. Kevin De Bruyne failed to dictate play and the side created little for more than 80 minutes. They managed only two shots on target for most of the match and lacked movement around the box.
Rudi Garcia then turned to Romelu Lukaku and finally changed the shape of the contest.
Lukaku pulled Belgium back into the tie in the 86th minute after Thomas Meunier kept the attack alive and delivered into the near post. Three minutes later, Youri Tielemans punished poor positioning from goalkeeper Diaw and headed in the equaliser after Leandro Trossard floated a cross into the area.
Belgium suddenly found energy and urgency. Senegal looked uncertain after controlling the match for so long.
Extra time now decides whether Belgium’s experienced core survives another night or whether Senegal regain control of a tie they had almost wrapped up.
