Belgium Stage Historic Comeback to Stun Senegal as England Edge DR Congo
By Akpo ESCO
Belgium produced one of the most dramatic comebacks in World Cup history to book a last-16 tie against either the United States or Bosnia-Herzegovina, while England were rescued late on by Harry Kane.
Rudi Garcia’s Belgium looked finished in Atlanta. Two goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had Senegal 2-0 up with four minutes left of normal time, and Garcia’s side appeared headed for an early exit.
The turnaround started on 86 minutes. Half-time substitute Romelu Lukaku flicked in Thomas Meunier’s cross to give Belgium hope. Three minutes later, Leandro Trossard’s ball into the box was spilled by goalkeeper Mory Diaw, and captain Youri Tielemans headed into an empty net to force extra time at 2-2.
It was the latest point in a World Cup match that any team had trailed by two or more goals and avoided defeat.
The drama was not over. In the 125th minute, Belgium were awarded a penalty after a seven-minute VAR review for Lamine Camara’s challenge on Tielemans. The captain stepped up and scored, clocking at 124:44 — the latest goal ever scored in World Cup history.
Senegal’s collapse was compounded by an earlier heated exchange between Tielemans and Trossard, which Lukaku had to break up before the second-half hydration break.
“We found a way,” Garcia said afterwards. “The strength of this squad also lies in the players who come off the bench.”
England also flirted with humiliation in Atlanta. Brian Cipenga’s opener had DR Congo 15 minutes from knocking out Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Captain Kane intervened. He headed in Anthony Gordon’s cross on 75 minutes for the equaliser, then produced a moment of brilliance four minutes from time — turning, driving forward, and smashing a 60mph finish past Lionel Mpasi, who had been outstanding until then.
Gordon, quiet for much of the tournament, assisted both goals after coming on as a substitute.
England now head to the Azteca Stadium to face Mexico in the last 16.
