Belgium staged a stunning comeback; Rudi Garcia: Matches like this can make a team stronger and more united.

Belgium, nicknamed the "Red Devils," rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, thanks to goals from Lukaku and Tielemans. Rudi Garcia stated that such a challenge strengthens the team's unity and ability.

In the 25th minute, Mane crossed from the left, and Ismaila Sarr's header hit the post. Habib Diarra then followed up and scored, giving Senegal a 1-0 lead.

In the 51st minute of the second half, Moussa Nyacatai made a long pass, and Ismaila Sarr received the ball and entered the penalty area to fire a powerful shot into the goal, helping Senegal continue to lead Belgium 2-0.

In the 86th minute, Thomas Meunier crossed from the right wing, and Lukaku slotted home to make it 1-2 for Belgium. Three minutes later, Trossard passed into the penalty area, and Tielemans headed in to equalize for Belgium at 2-2.

In the 117th minute, Tielemans was tripped by Ramin Camara while trying to receive the ball. The referee reviewed VAR and determined that Camara had fouled Tielemans earlier, awarding Belgium a penalty. Tielemans then converted the penalty, giving Belgium a 3-2 lead.

In the end, Belgium came from behind to defeat Senegal 3-2 at the Lumen Stadium, successfully advancing to the World Cup Round of 16.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said, "Football is all about emotional clashes, and we really experienced that a lot in this game. When you're down 0-2 in the 83rd minute, it's not easy to come back and win. But during the water break, I told the players that we had to score our third goal first, and once we did that, anything was possible."

“We did it, we kept our promise, and we reopened the game. This kind of situation can make the team more united and stronger, and it also makes everyone understand that anything can happen before the final whistle.”

Rudi Garcia also stated, "I took over the team 18 months ago because I believed in its strength. Perhaps this isn't the strongest Belgium in history, but we've made our own history."

“We haven’t won the championship yet; we’ve only advanced to the round of 16. We’ll see who we face next, but it doesn’t matter who our opponent is. Let’s enjoy this victory and savor our ‘super comeback’.”

Furthermore, Lukaku, who scored for Belgium, said, "This match was very intense, but we gave it our all. We were behind at one point, but we showed the team's fighting spirit. This is exactly the quality a team needs in a match like this. Senegal is one of the strongest teams in this World Cup; they are excellent in terms of technique, physical fitness, and tactics."

"But when we increased the intensity of our pressing and were able to regain possession, our team spirit came through and we ultimately won the game."

Image source: Internet