Belgium's World Cup adventure looked to be over - until they produced one of the tournament's most dramatic comebacks. With just minutes remaining, the Red Devils were staring at elimination before producing an extraordinary comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time. Youri Tielemans scored a dramatic penalty in the 125th minute to send Belgium into the Round of 16.

For much of the match Senegal looked set to make history. Habib Diarra was quickest to react to a rebound, opening the scoring for Senegal, and Ismaila Sarr made it two early in the second half with a cool finish to leave Belgium staring at elimination. Then it all changed in the closing stages. Halftime substitute Romelu Lukaku, the veteran Belgian striker, gave his side a ray of hope in the 86th minute, turning in Thomas Meunier’s cross. Tielemans then completed Belgium's late comeback by capitalising on a goalkeeping error to equalise and force extra time.

Belgium continued to press for a winner as the game headed towards penalties. Their persistence was rewarded in the dying seconds as VAR awarded a penalty after Tielemans was brought down inside the box. The Aston Villa midfielder slotted coolly from the spot to score one of the latest winning goals in World Cup history and trigger wild celebrations.

The win keeps Belgium's hopes of lifting the trophy alive and sets up a potential last-16 clash with the United States, who are yet to play against Bosnia and Herzegovina. For Senegal it is a cruel end to a spirited campaign that promised so much. The Lions of Teranga were so close to a famous knockout triumph but are left wondering how a dream was snatched away in the most heart-breaking of fashions.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)