Tielemans rescues Belgium with double strike against Senegal

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·1 Juli 2026

Tielemans rescues Belgium with double strike against Senegal

Belgium recovered from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic World Cup Round of 16 encounter. Youri Tielemans scored twice in the final stages, heading an 89th-minute equalizer before converting a VAR-awarded penalty in the 125th minute to complete a remarkable turnaround.

Senegal had dominated for long periods, taking the lead through Habib Diarra in the 25th minute before Ismaïla Sarr doubled their advantage early in the second half. Belgium's substitutes proved decisive as Romelu Lukaku and Thomas Meunier combined for the first goal before Tielemans took centre stage. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Belgium v Senegal.

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Winners

Youri Tielemans (Belgium)

The Belgium captain delivered a match-winning performance with two crucial goals to complete the comeback. Trailing 2-1 in the 89th minute, Tielemans rose to meet Leandro Trossard's cross and headed past Mory Diaw to force extra time, then showed composure under immense pressure to convert the decisive penalty in the 125th minute.

Tielemans' equalizing header came at a critical moment when Senegal appeared destined for the quarter-finals. His movement created space in the box as goalkeeper Diaw came off his line and failed to claim Trossard's delivery, allowing the midfielder to connect with a well-timed run and direct his header into the unguarded net.

When VAR awarded Belgium a penalty deep into added time of extra time, Tielemans stepped up and placed his shot into the top right corner with impeccable technique. The captain's double strike transformed a seemingly lost cause into qualification for the next round, with his contributions accounting for two of Belgium's three goals.

Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

Introduced at half-time for the anonymous Charles De Ketelaere, Lukaku transformed Belgium's attack and scored the goal that ignited the comeback. His 86th-minute finish, anticipating Thomas Meunier's cross and directing a right-footed shot past Mory Diaw, reduced the deficit to 2-1 and changed the entire complexion of the contest.

Lukaku's physical presence and hold-up play offered what De Ketelaere could not, consistently winning duels and protecting possession to allow Belgium to sustain attacks in the final third. His excellent pivoting created space for teammates while his aerial threat occupied Senegal's defenders throughout the second half and extra time.

Though finishing with just one goal, Lukaku's overall influence was transformative from the moment he entered. Belgium's improved attacking threat after half-time traced directly to his introduction, with his ability to link play and serve as a target man giving his teammates the platform they needed to mount their recovery.

Loser

Mory Diaw (Senegal)

The reserve goalkeeper deputising for the injured Edouard Mendy made a critical error that proved costly in Senegal's collapse. His misjudgement on Trossard's 89th-minute cross, coming off his line poorly and failing to claim the delivery, allowed Tielemans a free header that leveled the match at 2-2 and ultimately cost his team victory.

Diaw had earlier produced a fine save to deny Maxim De Cuyper's curling effort in the 45th minute, showing the quality that initially suggested he could deputise adequately. His handling from crosses had been secure for most of the match, making the mistake on Trossard's delivery all the more surprising and damaging.

When Tielemans stepped up for the decisive penalty in the 125th minute, Diaw had no chance as the Belgium captain placed his shot perfectly into the top corner. Yet the damage had already been done with his earlier error, a moment of indecision that transformed Senegal's commanding position into extra-time heartbreak and tournament elimination.