Veteran Belgium rally to beat Senegal and show aging squad isn’t finished

In a thrilling match on Wednesday in Seattle, Belgium rallied to clinch a dramatic 3-2 victory over Senegal in the round of 32. The team, managed by Rudi Garcia, appeared to be on the verge of elimination, trailing 2-0 until the final moments of the game.

Belgium seemed destined for defeat as Senegal’s Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr put them ahead with two early goals. However, the tide turned dramatically when Romelu Lukaku scored in the 86th minute, instilling hope in the Belgian side. Shortly after, Youri Tielemans netted a header in the 89th minute, forcing the match into extra time.

In a decisive moment, Tielemans was awarded a penalty in the 120th minute due to a VAR review that found a foul by Lamine Camara. He converted the penalty, marking the latest winning goal in World Cup history and securing Belgium’s spot in the round of 16 against the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Garcia’s Bold Strategy Pays Off

Garcia’s decision to substitute star players Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne in the 56th minute raised eyebrows. With Belgium down 2-0, many feared the worst for this aging squad, often labeled as a fading golden generation. Doku expressed his displeasure, while De Bruyne seemed shocked by the tactical shift.

Yet, this gamble reinvigorated the Belgian side, who had struggled against Senegal’s dominance. Lukaku’s critical goal gave Belgium a glimmer of hope just before the end of regulation time, allowing them to mount a remarkable comeback.

Despite disappointing performances in earlier matches, this victory could serve as a catalyst for Belgium, bringing renewed hope for the seasoned players like De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois as they look for success in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Sarr Shines Amidst Senegal’s Heartbreak

Ismaïla Sarr further solidified his reputation by scoring his fourth goal of the tournament, bringing him to five overall in World Cup history—just one shy of Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan, the all-time leading African scorer. Despite Senegal’s exit, Sarr showcased his exceptional skill and pace, proving he is a forward to be reckoned with.

Interestingly, Sarr has yet to attract the attention of top European teams despite his impressive Premier League track record. His clinical finishing is something the tournament will miss as he exits early.

Belgium Send a Strong Message

Having previously defeated the USMNT in a friendly, Belgium appeared to be the superior team. However, their performance in this World Cup has raised questions about their capabilities. Against Senegal, they reignited their fighting spirit and showed that they still have the quality to challenge any opponent.

As Belgium prepares to face either the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina, the big question remains: is this impressive comeback a sign of things to come, or merely a last hurrah for this talented squad?

FAQs

What was the final score of the Belgium vs Senegal match?

Belgium won 3-2 after coming back from a 2-0 deficit.

When is Belgium’s next match in the tournament?

Belgium will face either the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 16.