DistantNews
Support us
Onward after comeback and VAR drama
🇳🇴 Norway /Sports

Onward after comeback and VAR drama

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Belgium achieved a stunning 3-2 comeback victory against Senegal in the World Cup, advancing to the Round of 16 after extra time.
  • Senegal led 2-0 until the 85th minute, but Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scored late goals to force extra time, where Tielemans converted a penalty.
  • The match featured VAR drama and a record-breaking late goal, with Senegal eliminated despite a strong performance for most of the game.

Belgium staged an incredible turnaround, coming from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and secure a place in the World Cup Round of 16. The dramatic comeback began just four minutes before the end of regular time, marking a stunning shift in momentum.

Senegal was better than Belgium for 70 minutes. Lukaku came in and changed the momentum. And then there is the captain. He stepped up and decided the game.

— Dion DublinDion Dublin commented on BBC's broadcast about the match's turning point.

Senegal had appeared to be cruising to victory, leading 2-0 with goals from Habib Diarra in the 25th minute and Ismaïla Sarr in the 51st minute. Sarr, who had a strong game, also hit the post twice. However, Romelu Lukaku reduced the deficit in the 86th minute, and captain Youri Tielemans equalized three minutes later, forcing the match into extra time. This marked the first time in World Cup history a team had avoided defeat after trailing by two goals past the 85th minute.

World class

— Ian WrightIan Wright praised Sarr's goal on BBC.

The decisive moment came in the second half of extra time when Lamine Camara fouled Tielemans. After a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was awarded. Tielemans stepped up and scored in the 124th minute and 44th second, the latest goal ever recorded in a World Cup match, to seal Belgium's progression. Senegal's elimination is a significant blow, especially after their strong showing throughout the game.

It looks like one game too many for Belgium.

— Roy KeaneRoy Keane criticized Belgium's performance at halftime on ITV.

Commentators noted Belgium's initial sluggishness, with pundit Roy Keane suggesting they looked tired and Gary Neville questioning their strategy. However, Lukaku's introduction at halftime visibly changed the game's dynamic. Sarr's performance was praised, with former England striker Ian Wright calling his second goal 'world-class,' and noting his five goal contributions in the tournament, equaling Roger Milla's record for Senegal.

Belgium looks very tired.

— Gary NevilleGary Neville commented on Belgium's apparent fatigue on ITV.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog