Belgium player ratings vs Senegal: Back from the brink! Youri Tielemans caps remarkable World Cup comeback after Kevin De Bruyne & Co produce dire display that goes unpunished

Belgium produced one of the most remarkable comebacks in World Cup history, coming from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 in the last 32 on Wednesday. The Red Devils were dire for 85 minutes and heading for elimination before Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans sparked an extraordinary turnaround that has left the African nation devastated.

Senegal dominated the opening period and deservedly built their commanding lead through goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr. The Crystal Palace forward was particularly influential, with a wondrous control-and-finish that left Belgium stunned. Thibaut Courtois kept his side in the contest with a crucial save from Sadio Mane at 2-0, but with four minutes remaining, a Belgian victory seemed impossible.

Rudi Garcia's substitutions changed everything. Manager Pape Thiaw removed key midfielder Pape Gueye in the 64th minute, and Belgium exploited the gaps. Lukaku, who had been introduced at half-time, slotted home Thomas Meunier's cross in the 86th minute. Three minutes later, Tielemans headed in an equaliser from Leandro Trossard's cross, forcing extra time. Notably, the pair had exchanged heated words during the second half before combining for the crucial goal.

In stoppage time of extra time, referee Said Martinez awarded a contentious penalty for Lamine Camara's challenge on Tielemans following a VAR intervention. Tielemans sent goalkeeper Mory Diaw the wrong way to secure victory at 124 minutes and 44 seconds, the latest goal in World Cup history.

Belgium's comeback mirrored their own 3-2 victory over Japan in 2018. However, the winning goal sparked controversy, with many questioning whether Camara's challenge warranted the penalty. Senegal, who had outplayed their opponents, were left aggrieved. Pape Gueye subsequently threatened to quit international football, stating on Instagram that he would take a break from the national team given the current technical staff, while Thiaw defended his substitutions, explaining his players were simply too fatigued to continue.