By Burnett Munthali
Belgium rallied from two goals down and defeated Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their World Cup last 32 clash.
The match was played at BMO Field in Toronto and delivered one of the tournament’s most dramatic finishes so far.
Senegal had taken an early 2-0 lead and looked set to send the European side home.
Belgium responded with renewed intensity in the second half and began to close the gap.
A late strike brought them back into the contest and shifted momentum inside the stadium.
With the score level at full time, the game moved into extra time under the lights in Toronto.
Belgium struck first in extra time to take a 3-2 advantage and protect it until the final whistle.
The result keeps alive their title hopes that had looked dead and buried after the opening deficit.
Senegal exited the tournament despite a courageous performance that had their supporters believing for much of the night.
Belgian coach Roberto Martinez praised his team’s resilience and said belief made the difference.
For Belgium, the comeback extends their World Cup journey and sets up a tougher test in the next round.
