Tielemans from shadow to spotlight as Belgium edge Senegal 3-2 after extra time | OneFootball

Youri Tielemans transformed Belgium’s fate, converting a 120+5 penalty to complete a 3-2 win after extra time over Senegal and secure a World Cup last-16 place.

L'Équipe notes Senegal controlled long spells. Habib Diarra put them ahead on 25 minutes after Ismaïla Sarr’s header came back off the post, and Sadio Mané’s work down the left repeatedly unsettled Timothy Castagne. Sarr then made it 2-0 on 51 minutes with a chest control and finish that left Thibaut Courtois helpless. Diarra later made way on 73 minutes.

Charles De Ketelaere struggled and was replaced by Romelu Lukaku at 46 minutes. Kevin De Bruyne departed on 56, with Nicolas Raskin’s energy pushing Tielemans higher. Leandro Trossard, sharp throughout, even exchanged words with his captain before the second-half cooling break.

Lukaku, quiet for long stretches, pounced on Thomas Meunier’s cross to pull one back on 86, outmuscling Pathé Ciss. Trossard then supplied the cross for Tielemans to level on 89, with Diaw late off his line. Mané went off for Nicolas Jackson on 93. In extra time, Tielemans won a penalty on 120+2 and, after Lukaku let him take it, converted on 120+5. Amadou Onana arrived on 110 to add impetus.

For Senegal, Diarra’s drive, Mané’s control of tempo and Sarr’s pressing stood out. Ciss had justified selection ahead of Kalidou Koulibaly but lost his duel with Lukaku for 2-1. Castagne endured a difficult night yet kept fighting, while Trossard’s persistence proved decisive.

Source: L'Équipe