Tielemans' last-gasp penalty snatches Belgium's World Cup survival after Senegal squander two-goal lead

Youri Tielemans converted a contentious VAR-awarded penalty in the 120th minute to complete a stunning Belgium comeback and eliminate Senegal from the World Cup, after the African side had led 2-0 with just five minutes of normal time remaining.

Senegal had looked entirely comfortable for the vast majority of the round of 32 tie. Habib Diarra opened the scoring before Ismaila Sarr added a second with a sublime finish, while Belgium were sluggish, disorganised, and barely threatening throughout.

The collapse began in the 85th minute when substitute Romelu Lukaku converted Thomas Meunier’s delivery to give Belgium a foothold. Three minutes later, Tielemans rose to meet a high ball into the box and headed past goalkeeper Mory Diaw to level at 2-2 — one of the more remarkable late recoveries the tournament has seen.

Extra time brought further chaos. Senegal spurned two clear chances to restore their lead, and Belgium came agonisingly close to winning it themselves when Dodi Lukebakio struck the crossbar from 12 yards with a penalty shootout looming.

The decisive moment arrived when Belgium appealed for a foul by Lamine Camara on Tielemans as a cross came in. After a VAR review, Honduran referee Said Martinez consulted the pitchside monitor and awarded the spot kick — a decision that divided opinion immediately. ITV pundit Gary Neville was unconvinced: “I genuinely don’t believe that is a penalty. I think if Tielemans gets a touch on the ball and then gets kicked, fair enough.”

Martinez, however, ruled that the foul had denied Tielemans a genuine opportunity to reach the ball and pointed to the spot.

What followed was a further delay, as Senegal defender Pathe Ciss — perhaps recalling the last-minute penalty his side conceded to Morocco in the AFCON final earlier this year — lay down on the penalty spot in protest. With the clock showing 120+5 minutes, Tielemans stepped up and curled the ball into the top corner to send Belgium through.

Even then, play continued for a further six minutes before the final whistle confirmed Belgium’s survival — a result that will be remembered as much for its extraordinary circumstances as for the quality of the football that preceded them.