I Wished If Both Could Win
I thought of not writing this piece as I have been an ardent admirer of both Belgium and Senegal. They have been terrific teams with lots of talent and class, and though Senegal have been one of the best in Africa and Belgium in Europe, on the World Stage, they have been underperformers.
But It Was Bitter-Sweet For Me
Here again, one of the two had to take the flight home. And after a gruelling battle, Belgium deservedly made it through to the next round while Senegal made a painful exit. It was a bitter-sweet experience for me, and hence I had decided to give this piece a go by. But then I had to write.
Senegal Scored Two Terrific Goals, but Belgium were not undone
I realised, however, that both teams played brilliant football. Senegal scored two classy goals, particularly the second one from Ismaila Sarr, which was an incredible piece of skill, but Belgium responded.
The Red Devils Determination Impressed
I was impressed by the determination of the Red Devils. They did not quit and made Senegal pay for the lapses in defence. Lukaku, the old warhorse, reduced the deficit to half in the 86th minute, and then Youri Tielemans equalised in the 89th to square up the game.
Senegal Could Not Hold Fort
Senegal had just 4 minutes plus stoppage time to hold fort, but they could not and paid a heavy price for it.
VAR Went In Belgium’s Favour And The Red Devils Triumphed, Crushing Senegalese Hearts
After a long VAR review, a penalty was awarded to Belgium at the close of extra time and the match. It was going to be the last kick, and Tielemans yet again nailed it perfectly to send Belgium to the Round of 16, crushing Senegalese hearts in the process.
Happy For Kevin de Bruyne, But Pained For Sadio Mane
I was very pleased for Kevin de Bruyne, Lukaku and Courtois, since they have long deserved a better run in World Cups. But I was equally pained for Sadio Mane and Senegal. A win and further progress in the tournament would have helped a nation no end. However, Senegal’s issues with their defence saw them exit the tournament.
USA Up next For Belgium
USA is up next for Belgium. A towering challenge with the co-hosts in good form. But Belgium have great pedigree and loads of quality to stop the USMNT’s apple cart.
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