Why Senegal’s late two‑goal lead turned into a historic World Cup exit

In the 85th minute of Wednesday's World Cup clash, Senegal led Belgium 2-0, but the Red Devils equalised, forced and ultimately secured a 3-2 win to reach the round of 16. The dramatic turnaround unfolded at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar, leaving the Lions of Teranga stunned. Over the full 120 minutes, Belgium posted an expected goals (xG) value of 1.75 while scoring three times. Senegal's xG was 3.58 despite netting only two goals. The result makes Senegal the first side ever to be knocked out of a World Cup knockout stage after holding a two‑goal lead in the 85th minute. That late collapse erased what had seemed a secure passage to the quarter‑finals.

Hein Vanhaezebrouck warns Damocles over Belgium coach after Senegal

For Belgium, the comeback secured a place in the round of 16, marking a historic World Cup victory for the Red Devils. The match will be remembered as an absolutely crazy World Cup moment. Senegal's defeat is described as a legendary choke for the Lions of Teranga. The African side's performance will linger in football history. The article presenting these statistics was translated into English by artificial intelligence. The original French version remains available for readers seeking the source text.