• Belgium rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 against Senegal after extra time.
• Youri Tielemans scored a 125th-minute penalty to seal the victory.
• Senegal took an early lead but were unable to maintain their advantage.
• The win keeps Belgium's title hopes alive in the World Cup.
• Belgium will face the winner of the match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Youri Tielemans scored a stunning 125th-minute penalty as Belgium mounted an incredible comeback from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 in their World Cup last 32 clash in Seattle on July 1. Senegal had previously taken a 2-0 lead with goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr but could not hold on, allowing Belgium to force extra time with late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Tielemans. The victory breathes new life into Belgium's title aspirations that appeared bleak earlier in the match, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.

Belgium's victory was marked by moments of resilience and thrilling play, particularly in the closing minutes of regulation time where Lukaku and Tielemans scored to equalize. Prior to that, Senegal was in control, having struck the woodwork twice and looking set for their first knockout stage victory since 2002. Diarra opened the scoring in the 25th minute after a rebounded shot, quickly followed by Sarr's impressive goal, demonstrating Senegal's attacking prowess throughout the match, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

The game took a pivotal turn when Belgium's coach, Rudi Garcia, made the strategic decision to bring on Lukaku at halftime. This change paid off dramatically, as it was Lukaku who sparked the comeback with his crucial goal late in the game. Tielemans later reflected on the match, stating, "We fell behind and then it's up to us to try to show a reaction. We did," emphasizing the collective effort of the team, particularly those coming off the bench to turn the tide, according to Channel News Asia and Channel News Asia.

The defining moment came when Tielemans, who had been pivotal in securing the comeback, converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review in the dying moments of extra time, capping off one of the most dramatic shifts in fortune witnessed in the tournament. Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, expressed his dismay after the match, stating, "I believe that our team deserved it (to win). Unfortunately, we are eliminated," highlighting the heartbreak for the Lions of Teranga as they became the fourth African team to exit the tournament in close encounters, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.