Belgium produced one of the greatest late comebacks in FIFA World Cup history, overturning a two-goal deficit in the closing stages before defeating Senegal in extra time to book their place in the next round.
Trailing 2-0 as the match entered the 85th minute, Belgium looked destined for elimination. However, a remarkable late rally changed the course of the contest. The Belgians pulled one goal back before finding an equaliser deep into stoppage time, forcing the game into extra time.
They eventually completed the comeback with a winner from a penalty, sealing a famous victory.
The result rewrote the World Cup record books, with Belgium becoming the first team in tournament history to avoid defeat in normal time after trailing by two goals in the 85th minute.
Belgium head coach revealed that his side anticipated Senegal’s defensive approach once they established a two-goal advantage.
We know teams like that; they lose their tactical structure towards the end of the match,” Garcia said after the game.
We knew that at 2-0 they would do everything to protect their goal, which, in my opinion, is a serious mistake. Remind me when we’re 2-0 up not to do that.
Because when you concede a goal like they did at 2-1, the whole feel of the match changes.
For Senegal, the defeat was a heartbreaking end to a match they appeared to have under control. The West Africans became the first team in World Cup history to be eliminated after leading by two goals in the 85th minute.
The encounter also continued a difficult trend for Senegal in the knockout stages. Three of the country’s four World Cup knockout matches have now gone to extra time.
The loss further extended Senegal’s struggles against European opposition at the World Cup. They have now lost five consecutive World Cup matches against European teams and have conceded three goals in each of their last four such fixtures.
