Well, that was a football match. Belgium, apparently not content with a standard win, decided to stage a comeback so dramatic it probably gave several cardiologists a new boat. They clawed their way back from a 2-0 deficit against Senegal, scoring twice in the final four minutes of regular time, then sealing a 3-2 victory with a penalty in the 125th minute.
Because apparently, 90 minutes just wasn't enough chaos.
Senegal had been cruising, looking every bit like they were headed to the next round thanks to goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr. They were even kind enough to hit the woodwork twice, just to keep things interesting. Then, Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans decided it was time to turn the script on its head, forcing the game into extra time.
The Penalty Heard 'Round the World
The winning goal came courtesy of a VAR review – because of course it did. Senegal's Lamine Camara fouled Tielemans in the box, and Tielemans, having already equalized, calmly slotted home the penalty. It was the kind of moment that makes you wonder if anyone in the stadium still had fingernails.
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Start Your News DetoxFor Senegal, it was a brutal exit. They'd controlled much of the game, created chances, and generally looked like the team in charge. To lose it all in such a spectacular fashion? That's the kind of sports heartbreak that sticks with you. They now join South Africa, Ivory Coast, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as African teams exiting in the last 32.
Belgium, meanwhile, will now face the winner of the co-hosts United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match. Their next game is on Monday in Seattle. One can only hope they decide to win it in a slightly less heart-stopping fashion. But then again, where's the fun in that?
