Belgium Stages Dramatic 3-2 Comeback Win Over Senegal in World Cup
In the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, Belgium rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 in extra time. Romelu Lukaku, who scored the first goal, later declined to take the winning penalty due to mental struggles following his father’s death, letting Youri Tielemans convert. Lukaku praised Belgium’s resilience and Senegal’s quality, dedicating the victory to his late father. Belgium advances to face the United States in Seattle.
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2026 World Cup: Belgium's Romelu Lukaku Poised to Threaten Spain in Quarter-Final
Romelu Lukaku, long sidelined by injury and with a nearly blank season at Napoli, has been selected by Belgium coach Rudi Garcia for the 2026 World Cup. Despite starting only one match, Lukaku has become Belgium's top scorer in the tournament with three goals and one assist. The article details his complicated club situation, including tensions with Napoli, and Garcia's gamble on the striker's experience and leadership. Belgium faces Spain in the quarter-finals, and Lukaku is seen as a decisive weapon. The report highlights his improbable rebirth and the strategic choice to include him over other forwards.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertLukaku Is Immortal: Striker Key in Belgium's World Cup Comeback Against Senegal
Romelu Lukaku proved decisive for Belgium in a World Cup match against Senegal, coming off the bench to score a crucial goal that sparked a comeback. Belgium, still carrying the legacy of its 'golden generation' but struggling for form, turned to the Napoli striker after a difficult season in Italy. His aerial ability and presence in the box changed the momentum, reducing the deficit and leading to an equalizer by Tielemans, who later converted a penalty to complete the turnaround. Coach Rudi García's decision to rely on Lukaku highlights the veteran's role as a game-changer. The article notes Belgium's broader struggle to compete without its former stars and the emotional lift Lukaku provides in a tournament where the team clings to comebacks rather than consistent good play.
Fútbol en AS.comLukaku explains why he let Tielemans take winning penalty against Senegal in World Cup round of 16
Romelu Lukaku revealed he chose not to take the decisive penalty for Belgium in their World Cup round of 16 match against Senegal, despite being the team's all-time top scorer. The Napoli striker, who has struggled mentally following his father's death in September and limited playing time this season, handed the responsibility to Youri Tielemans, who converted to secure a 3-2 extra-time victory. Lukaku admitted he is still going through difficult moments mentally and prioritized the team's success over personal glory. Belgium had trailed 2-0 until the 86th minute before mounting a comeback. Lukaku praised his teammates' intensity and spirit, saying they showed 'big pair of balls' to win the match.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuWorld Cup: Lukaku Explains Why He Let Tielemans Take Crucial Penalty Against Senegal
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium's striker, revealed after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Senegal in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 that he allowed Youri Tielemans to take the winning penalty due to his own mental struggles. Lukaku had sparked Belgium's comeback from 2-0 down with a goal in the 86th minute, but he decided not to take the decisive spot-kick because he is 'still going through difficult moments mentally.' He dedicated the performance to his late father, Roger, who passed away in September. Despite a lackluster club season with Napoli (seven games, one goal), Lukaku has been a key player for Belgium in the tournament, helping secure a draw against Egypt and scoring against New Zealand and Senegal. Belgium will face the United States in Seattle in the next round.
Home Football - actualitésLukaku Smiles at Comparison to 2018 Japan Comeback After Belgium's 3-2 Win Over Senegal
In the World Cup Round of 16, Belgium came from behind to defeat Senegal 3-2. After the match, striker Romelu Lukaku gave an interview to HLN. He praised Senegal as one of the top teams in the tournament technically, physically, and tactically, but emphasized Belgium's team spirit and intensity. When asked about his impactful substitute performances, Lukaku attributed his form to his father's blessing from heaven. A reporter asked if the comeback reminded him of the epic 3-2 turnaround against Japan in the 2018 World Cup. Lukaku laughed and said he has had enough of such heart-pounding games in his life, but noted that the team showed relentless resilience and great courage.
虎扑 - 足球Lukaku: We Really Showed Resilience After Comeback Win vs Senegal
In the World Cup Round of 16, Belgium staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Senegal 3-2. After the match, Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku gave an interview to French TV channel M6. He praised the team's fighting spirit and resilience, apologizing after initially using strong language to describe their guts. Lukaku acknowledged Senegal as one of the top teams in the tournament technically, physically, and tactically. Regarding a late penalty awarded to Belgium, Lukaku explained he chose not to take it himself due to recent mental struggles, preferring to let teammate Tielemans take the spot kick. He emphasized that as long as the team wins, it does not matter who scores.
虎扑 - 足球