Belgium reached the World Cup Round of 16 after a dramatic 3-2 win over Senegal in Seattle, with Youri Tielemans scoring a penalty in the 125th minute after Belgium fought back from two goals down.
Senegal controlled large spells and looked set for a comfortable place in the next round. Habib Diarra gave them the lead before the break after Ismaila Sarr struck the post and Diarra reacted first to turn in the rebound. Belgium struggled to keep possession and created little in the first half.
Senegal stretched the lead six minutes after the restart. Moussa Niakhate launched a long pass over Belgium’s defence and Sarr took control with one touch before smashing a half-volley past Thibaut Courtois. Senegal attacked with pace and movement while Belgium looked slow and disjointed.
Belgium coach Garcia turned to his bench and finally found a response. Romelu Lukaku changed the game after his introduction. He pulled one back in the 86th minute after Thomas Meunier kept a loose ball alive and delivered across goal.
Belgium struck again three minutes later. Leandro Trossard floated a cross towards the far post and Tielemans rose above a stranded Yehvann Diouf to head into an empty net.
The late equaliser changed the momentum. Senegal looked shaken after controlling most of the contest while Belgium pushed forward with greater purpose in extra time.
The breakthrough came in the closing seconds. Belgium won a penalty in stoppage time of extra time and Tielemans converted to complete a comeback that had looked unlikely for most of the night.
Belgium now move into the last 16 and will face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
