Belgium vs Senegal: knockout ghosts meet in Round of 32
Two World Cup underachievers collide with knockout pedigrees in tatters. One side must shed its past or face the exit.
Belgium and Senegal collide in Houston with knockout credibility on the line. The Red Devils limped into the Round of 32 after edging New Zealand 5–1 in a game that masked deeper issues: defensive lapses, midfield rust, and a forward line short on confidence. Roberto Martínez’s side has not won a knockout match at a World Cup since 1986 and arrives with only one clean sheet in their last six competitive outings.
The 5–1 scoreline flattered Belgium’s defensive frailties, with New Zealand creating more clear chances than any team Belgium has faced in this cycle. Senegal, meanwhile, crushed Iraq 5–0 but did so after losses to France and Norway exposed tactical frailties and a leaky backline. Pape Thiaw’s young side has conceded nine goals in their last four matches and has never held a clean sheet in a World Cup match.
