Youri Tielemans pushed Belgium into the World Cup round of 16 with a penalty at 124:44, and the finish kept Seattle World Cup tickets in sharp focus for supporters tracking the bracket. Belgium had trailed Senegal 2-0 for long stretches before the comeback turned the match in its final minutes.
Belgium Survives Senegal
Rudi Garcia changed the game 11 minutes after halftime, sending on Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne while Belgium still trailed 2-0. The move did not flip the match immediately, but it gave Belgium the control it needed to keep pressing Senegal until the end.
Romelu Lukaku cut the gap with a header four minutes from time, and the response was immediate. Leandro Trossard then crossed for Tielemans to head in an equalizer after the restart, putting Belgium back on level terms before the stoppage-time finish.
VAR, Martínez, and Camara
The late penalty came after Saíd Martínez used VAR and ruled on a foul by Lamine Camara on Tielemans. That decision sent Belgium to the spot, and Tielemans converted to complete the comeback.
The 124:44 winner is the latest goal in World Cup history. It also fits the odd shape of this match: Belgium were dismal for long stretches, down 2-0, yet they still advanced.
United States or Bosnia
Belgian supporters were waiting on the United States vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina match in the Bay Area, which kicked off at 2am Belgian time. Who Belgium play next depends on that result.
If Bosnia upset the co-hosts, Belgium would meet them for the first time in nine years. Belgium has won the last three meetings, scored 11 goals across those games, and beat Bosnia & Herzegovina home and away during 2018 World Cup qualifying.
The comeback changes the bracket path, not the work still ahead. Belgium is through, but the opponent will be decided by the result in the Bay Area.
