By Tomiwa Jagunna
Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the FIFA World Cup to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time at Lumen Field in Seattle, sealing their place in the Round of 16.
The Teranga Lions looked to be cruising towards qualification after Habib Diarra fired them ahead in the 32nd minute, before Ismaïla Sarr doubled the advantage just three minutes into the second half in the 48th minute. But what followed was a stunning collapse from the Senegalese. Romelu Lukaku sparked the comeback with a close-range finish in the 86th minute, and Youri Tielemans rose highest to head home the equaliser in the 89th minute, forcing extra time.
Tielemans converted a dramatic 125th-minute penalty, completing a remarkable comeback.
Senegal controlled much of the contest with their intensity, but failed to manage the game despite the two goal advantage allowing the experienced Belgium side through Lukaku and Tieleman deliver a match winning performance to send Belgium to the round of 16.
England also booked their place in the Round of 16 with a resilient 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium. The Congolese stunned the Three Lions when Brian Cipenga struck in the 7th minute, following an energetic start and putting England under immediate pressure. DR Congo defended effectively for much of the encounter, frustrating England until Harry Kane took control of the contest. Kane restored parity with a towering header in the 75th minute before completing the turnaround with a superb finish in the 86th minute, producing the decisive moment that secured England’s progression. Despite the defeat, DR Congo earned widespread praise for an outstanding performance against the three lions.
