Why Lukaku decided to let Tielemans take crucial 125th-minute penalty for Belgium | OneFootball

Romelu Lukaku has made an honest admission that he does not feel ready ‘for such difficult and crucial moments’ after handing over a 125th-minute penalty to teammate Youri Tielemans during Belgium’s late, late 3-2 victory over Senegal at the World Cup.

Lukaku: ‘I’m not ready for such crucial moments’

Belgium fell two goals behind against AFCON finalists Senegal late on Wednesday evening, but struck twice within three minutes between the 86th and 89th minutes to take the round of 32 tie into extra-time, Lukaku netting the first.

Then, the Belgians were awarded a late penalty right at the end of extra-time, which Tielemans coolly converted into the upper corner of the net.

There were major delays as Senegal protested the penalty decision and Lukaku had the ball under his arm near the penalty spot while the squabbles continued around him. After a wait of several minutes, he decided to hand the ball over to teammate and captain Tielemans to take the crucial kick.

Speaking in an interview after full-time, Lukaku admitted that he did not feel ready to take such a high-pressure kick.

“Yes,” Lukaku replied when asked if he wanted to take the penalty, “But mentally I’m not ready for such difficult and crucial moments, so I’d rather leave it to Youri. The team comes before everything else.”

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 01: Youri Tielemans #8 of Belgium celebrates with teammate Romelu Lukaku #9 after scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

He feels that Belgium overcame one of the best sides at the 2026 World Cup with their victory over Senegal.

“I’ve had enough of these sorts of games,” Lukaku joked after full-time. “It was intense, but we showed character and a lot of balls. You need victories like that to unite a group even more. These are the most beautiful victories for us and for the fans.

“Senegal is one of the best teams at this tournament. Technically, physically, tactically, it was really difficult. But our team spirit came out in the end, as did the intensity.”