World Cup: Belgium complete comeback over Senegal with record-breaking goal

Belgium are through to the Round of 16 after their sensational comeback against Senegal.

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FC Bayern’s youngster Bara Sapoko Ndiaye made his World Cup debut in Senegal’s brutal defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32. The Teranga Lions looked certain for one of their best wins in the competition’s history until the 85th minute.

Goals from Premier League stars Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had Pape Thiaw’s men on the verge of qualification. Ex-Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate provided the assist for Sarr’s fourth goal of the tournament with a precise long pass.

However, half-time substitute Romelu Lukaku kickstarted one of the best comebacks in the history of the World Cup with a clinical finish five minutes before the end of regular time. Rudi Garcia’s side forced extra-time with a header from the captain Youri Tielemans, merely three minutes later.

In addition to the introduction of the country’s all-time top-scorer, the early substitutions that saw star players Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku taken off bore fruit for the 2018 semi-finalists. Meanwhile, Senegal were unfortunate to miss the reliable Edouard Mendy due to a knee injury, as Mory Diaw should’ve done better to prevent the second goal.

The extra-time saw both teams come close to sucker punch before the decisive kick of the game. Belgium won a penalty-kick after a lengthy VAR check as Tielemans converted it with aplomb to send them through to the Round of 16.

The goal has gone down as the latest winner in the history of the World Cup (125th minute). Arthur Theate’s Belgium will face the winners of the clash between the United States and Bosnia & Herzegovina in the next round.