Tielemans’ 125th-minute penalty stuns Senegal, books Belgium’s Round of 16 escape
Belgium survived Senegal on a VAR-awarded penalty in the tournament’s latest-ever goal, capping a two-goal comeback that defied logic and time itself.
Belgium survived Senegal on a VAR-awarded penalty in the tournament’s latest-ever goal, capping a two-goal comeback that defied logic and time itself.
Belgium booked a Round of 16 date with the USA after Youri Tielemans buried a 125th-minute penalty that erased Senegal in Qatar. Belgium entered stoppage time down 2-0 to Senegal in the Round of 16, staring at elimination before referee Saíd Martínez pointed to the spot following VAR review. The decision hinged on a challenge by Lamine Camara on Tielemans inside the box in the 124th minute.
Tielemans, who had already been fouled moments earlier, stepped up and drilled home the equalizer in the 125th—making it the latest goal in World Cup history. Extra time produced no further scoring, sending the match to penalties where Belgium converted all five attempts. Senegal missed twice, including a miss by Ismaila Sarr in the shootout, sealing Belgium’s 5-3 victory on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
The sheer improbability of Belgium’s recovery—trailing by two goals with seconds left—mirrors only a handful of World Cup upsets, where late drama redefines narratives. This match now sits alongside 2005’s Liverpool vs AC Milan and 2014’s Germany vs Algeria as moments where football’s unpredictability crushed preconceived notions of momentum. The 125th-minute penalty didn’t just break a record; it shattered the illusion that knockout football adheres to any script beyond chaos.
VAR’s role in this outcome forces a reckoning with technology’s double-edged sword. While VAR has undeniably improved decision-making, its intervention here—after 124 minutes of play—exposes the tension between precision and the human drama of a dying game. The controversy isn’t just about the foul; it’s about whether football’s soul thrives on imperfection or demands absolute correctness, even at the cost of spectacle.
The psychological toll of such a collapse cannot be overstated. Senegal’s players, who had dominated possession and created multiple chances, were left frozen by the sudden reversal. Studies of high-pressure moments in elite sport show that teams leading late often experience a cognitive slowdown, making them susceptible to catastrophic errors.
Belgium, meanwhile, rode a wave of adrenaline and desperation, converting the penalty and then holding their nerve in the shootout. The contrast between the two sides’ mental states in those final minutes underscores how knockout football is as much a battle of psychology as it is of tactics. This result also reshapes Belgium’s tournament narrative.
Once dismissed as a fading golden generation, Belgium’s survival here—amid a squad now featuring younger legs like Johan Bakayoko and Arthur Theate—signals a potential shift. The 125th-minute drama may not erase the criticism of their group-stage struggles, but it does prove this team still has the capacity to defy expectations when the stakes are highest. Belgium manager Rudi Garcia admitted post-match that his side had “no right” to be in the game before the 125th-minute drama.
Senegal boss Aliou Cissé refused to criticize the officiating but called the result “unfair,” echoing the widespread disbelief across the stadium and broadcast feeds. What’s next: Belgium advances to face the USA in the Round of 16 on December 6 in Al Rayyan, while Senegal’s tournament ends in agony after a valiant but ultimately heartbreaking performance. Read at Guardian Football
A World Cup knockout decided by a penalty in the 125th minute rewrites the script for what’s possible in extra time. The controversy around the VAR call and the sheer improbability of Belgium’s comeback—trailing by two goals with seconds left—turns this match into an instant classic, one that will be dissected for decades. The result also underscores the fine margins that separate glory from elimination in modern football, where technology and human error collide under the brightest spotlight. The psychological resilience displayed by Belgium and the fragility exposed in Senegal add another layer to why this match will be studied as a case study in high-stakes football psychology.
Guardian Footballtheguardian.comBy Ben Fisher at Seattle Stadium1 Jul, 22:58en-gb
England’s defensive icon ties herself to the Blues, locking down a core piece of Chelsea’s domestic and European dominance.
Alistair Johnston shares his emotional journey as Canada co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the pride of playing at home.
FC Nantes welcomes back Michel Der Zakarian as head coach, aiming to revive their fortunes in Ligue 1.
A muscle bundle tear sidelines rising star Lennart Karl, prompting Bayern to reassess their strategy ahead of a crucial period.
© 2026 Pineido. All rights reserved.
Tottenham Hotspur's transfer strategy takes a bold turn with the signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.
The tactician behind Bregawn’s historic 1983 win has passed away after a battle with dementia.
Reigning Euro champs Spain face Austria in a knockout thriller at SoFi Stadium. Live broadcast and streaming guide inside.
Sandro Tonali’s blockbuster transfer to Tottenham is a symptom of Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules strangling Newcastle’s ambitions.
A tactical showdown in the knockout stage could redefine the 2026 World Cup — live updates on every shift, save, and goal.
Lamine Yamal and Spain face a disciplined Austria in a win-or-go-home World Cup 2026 clash.
A referee tied to a teenage Messi’s protection 22 years ago will oversee Argentina’s clash with Cape Verde, turning a standard appointment into a nostalgic milestone.
A viral 2023 ChatGPT simulation foresaw Mason Greenwood’s troubled move to Olympique de Marseille—now his potential exit is scripting the same AI-generated plot.
Walker Buehler silences the Dodgers with six dominant innings, while Ty France’s three-run blast ignites a 7-1 rout that tightens the NL West race.
Arizona Diamondbacks showcase offensive might in a blowout win over San Francisco Giants, signaling playoff ambitions.
Rookie Dalton Rushing drives in four runs as LA storms back from six down to crush San Diego.
Philly outbids Warriors and Heat to land the sharpshooter on a low-risk, high-upside contract using the mid-level exception.
Bueckers drained 11 straight points in the final frame to erase a double-digit deficit and secure Dallas’s fourth win of the season.
Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman led a 12-3 rout, exposing Oakland's pitching woes before the All-Star break while the Dodgers flex their lineup depth.
